(April 17, 2018) KANSAS CITY, MO – Avila University has named Sue Willcox, ’79, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs. Dr. Willcox has held the position on an interim basis for the past year.
Dr. Willcox began her Avila tenure in August 1999 in the academic affairs office. In 2006, President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA, promoted Willcox to vice president for information services and vice provost, which expanded her work to include the other data areas of campus in addition to work with advising, assessment, curriculum, registration office, and student exceptions.
Willcox has served as the lead for the creation of the office of institutional research, the implementation of the enterprise resource planning system (Jenzabar), the upgrade and moving of the data center, and the improvement and focus on evaluation and assessment data for decision making.
“Avila University holds a special place in a lot of person’s lives, including mine,” Willcox said. “The influence started for me as a student many years ago, and has continued in the last 19 years of my life.”
“I have complete confidence in Dr. Willcox’s judgment and leadership,” Slepitza said. “I believe she will be a strong presence in the academic community for what I hope will be many years to come.”
“Avila is a strong academic community with outstanding faculty and staff who truly care for students’ learning and success,” Willcox said. “ I am excited as we move into the future with the Avila Promise and ways that we can continue to make higher education affordable while maintaining our focus on developing leaders for our community and our world.”
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.