(June 28, 2018) KANSAS CITY, MO – Alexandra Adams, Ed.D. has accepted the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management at Avila University and will begin her new role in August. Adams is tasked with leading enrollment and retention efforts, student services and athletics. Adams brings her years of experience in higher education to Kansas City from universities in Philadelphia, Memphis, Maryland and Indiana. In her role, she will spearhead innovative strategies to recruit, retain and persist undergraduate, graduate and adult students, while strengthening the student experience that is distinctly Avila. Adams will report to President Ronald Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA and be involved in all decisions concerning the future of the institution as a member of the University’s Executive Committee.
“With a mission to prepare students to be lifelong learners, Avila offers an impressive set of personalized services to enable its students to be successful.”
“We are thrilled to have Alexandra join the Avila community, and for the leadership, she brings to this position,” said Slepitza. “Alexandra’s deep knowledge of student recruiting at all levels for private, liberal arts institutions, her respect for the Catholic intellectual tradition and her passion for first-generation students make her the right fit for the University.”
Through her 28-year career in higher education, Adams brings a wide range of creativity, insights, and accomplishments in enrollment services, student retention, student success programs and athletics to Avila. Most recently she served as the vice president for enrollment and student affairs at Holy Family University in Philadelphia. There, she used a data-driven approach to enrollment that exceeded goals for the last two semesters.
“Avila’s dedication to its students is why I am excited to become part of this team.”
Adams is an inspired advocate for first-generation and at-risk students, which dovetails with Avila University’s own mission and student population. A first-generation student herself, Adams understands the challenges today’s students face. “With a mission to prepare students to be lifelong learners, Avila offers an impressive set of personalized services to enable its students to be successful. With a large percentage of its undergraduate population being first-generation, Avila understands their needs and extends a hand to help them navigate the complex world higher education has become,” said Adams.
A double major in management and communication arts, Adams earned her Bachelor’s degree from Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana. She holds a Master’s degree in management from National-Louis University in Chicago, and she earned her Ed.D in higher education and organizational change from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.
“Mission and making a difference for students drives me as a professional. Avila’s mission and the Avila Promise of lower tuition, guaranteed on-time graduation, an internship or research experience, and up to $1,000 towards a learning experience outside of Kansas City all speak to the university’s commitment to making higher education affordable and attainable. More than just a tagline; the Avila Promise represents a culture committed to providing each student the opportunity and support they need to be successful,” said Adams. “Avila’s dedication to its students is why I am excited to become part of this team.”
Avila University, a Catholic University founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.