The Avila University Mission
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.
University Values
The worth, dignity and potential of each human being
Inspired by our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, our campus fosters a community of inclusion, understanding, and peace. Avila’s Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence is a shining example of how we as a campus put these values into action. Our Thornhill Gallery hosts artists, activists, and humanitarian organizations seeking to promote understanding and collaboration. With our newly-opened Avila community food pantry and Eagles Aware sexual harassment program, are creating a safe environment that will allow you to concentrate on what matters most: your education. You’re welcome here.
Excellence in teaching and learning
Avila’s class sizes might be small, but the knowledge you’ll receive from our highly accomplished faculty won’t be. Our professors pair academic expertise – 70 percent have their Ph.D., or the highest degree in their field of study — with real-world, practical experience to give you a well-rounded set of skills sought out by employers. And with our Center for Student Excellence, Learning Commons, and other resources, you’ll have the assistance you need on campus to solve any challenge in or out of the classroom.
Excellence and Avila: a tradition for over 100 years.
Service with the dear neighbor
Inspired by the example of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet whose mission is to serve the dear neighbor without distinction, service is at the heart of everything we do at Avila. Our students complete more than 140,000 service hours every year, and our faculty, staff, and alumni are all active in an array of philanthropic organizations. With dozens of groups and organizations on campus working to improve their communities, you’ll find your chance to serve with the Dear Neighbor.
Diversity and its expression
The Avila Family is a melting pot of cultural backgrounds, a true representation of our Kansas City home. More than 31 percent of our student body are first-generation college students and we host international students from dozens of countries from around the world. With active campus groups and organizations such as the Avila Ambassadors, Black Student Union, Society of Latinos and International Student Organization, you’ll find the perfect group for you to express yourself and be a leader.
The development of the whole person
We’re proud of our Liberal Arts heritage and believe that a broad education forms well-rounded graduates ready to contribute to society. Starting with our First-Year Experience seminar, Avila’s curriculum is designed to give students the ability to pursue their research interests, regardless of field. This interdisciplinary approach means you’ll graduate with the technical know-how you’ll need to excel professionally, combined with the wide-ranging knowledge, critical thinking, and flexibility necessary to succeed in the modern workforce.
Right relationships, with God, self, others and creation
Respect and generosity are at the core of our work as educators, values instilled in us as a Catholic institution by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet at our founding in 1916. We take that legacy seriously. From mentorship to service organizations to our active campus ministry, our community is built on healthy relationships with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors. And because we all share the same home, we also do our part to take care of the Earth, with extensive recycling and sustainability initiatives throughout campus.
