“Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today without Avila.”

Derek Feagans is a 1995 graduate of Avila who majored in political science.  He is currently working as the General Council for Bernstein-Rein Advertising. His day to day duties include handling everything legal for the advertising agency, Beauty Brands Stores, ninety-nine Blockbuster stores, and real estate development. Every day is different for him as he works with all the different legal issues in advertising, retail, and real estate.  

As a student at Avila, Derek’s favorite memories center around his time with his friends on the basketball team. He still talks to many of his teammates on a regular basis. As a work-study student in the library, Sr. Ellen, Sr. Ann Dominic and Sr. Sienna were like grandmothers to Derek, bringing him treats and looking out for him while he attended Avila.

In addition to his job responsibilities, Derek has been active in the Will to Succeed Foundation, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Light the Night planning committee, the Black Tie Ball planning committee, the Breakfast with the Champions planning committee, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the year planning committee, Read Across America volunteer, and the planning committee for the American Royal Business Lunch.  He has also given back to Avila along with his wife Heather, serving on the Avila Steer Dinner planning committee working on both the auction committee and the Fund-A-Need committee.  He served on the Avila University Alumni Board, finishing out his service as the Alumni Board President. He is currently serving on Avila’s Board of Counselors. Derek has been honored as the Avila Alumni of the Year in 2003 and as the 2nd runner up for Man & Woman of the year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in 2005.  He is also involved with professional development for his profession, serving as the Co-Chair of the Public Service Committee for the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.