Avila Now

Carolyn Brown is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education at Avila University. Earlier in her career, she completed the teacher certification program. “After completing the certification program at Avila, I decided that it would be beneficial to continue my learning and pursue my Master of Arts in Education,” said Brown.  “Avila was the...

Updating yesterday’s announcement, all afternoon and evening campus activities scheduled after 3 p.m. today are canceled, including practices and rehearsals. Instructors have the option to move classes remotely, so students need to communicate with their individual professors. The dining hall will serve brunch (10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)...

Due to the forecast of inclement weather that includes ice, accumulating snow, and hazardous driving conditions, Avila University will close campus Thursday, Feb. 17, for classes and activities that begin before 3 p.m. The hope is that the storm will pass and the roads cleared so that practices, rehearsals, and evening classes can still be held. The University...

Through a grant with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Avila University has partnered with the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC). Avila University Associate Professor Stacy Keith, Ed.D., chair of the School of Education, and Alicia Murillo, director of assessment and accreditation, worked quickly and diligently to apply for the grant with LEC...

Brett Beneke completed his teaching certification in Secondary Education at Avila and returned a few years later to earn his Master of Arts in Education in 2019. Brett said, “One of my undergraduate professors at KU raved about Avila’s approach to taking people with existing degrees and getting them classroom-ready.” Upon earning his certification, he...

James Burkee, Ph.D. succeeds retiring President Ronald Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA (February 9, 2022) KANSAS CITY, MO – The Avila University Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dr. James (Jim) Burkee, vice president for strategic initiatives at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, as Avila’s 15th president. Burkee will begin his tenure July 1, 2022, and...

After a nine-year career in the field of criminology, Ashley Rowland felt a push toward a new direction. “I needed a program that would allow me to continue to meet my obligations to my family while still being able to pursue my new dream,” said Avila alumna Ashley Rowland, Master of Arts in Education ‘21....

Due to weather conditions in Kansas City, the Avila University campus will be closed on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.  Students, please communicate with your professors. While in-person instruction will not take place on campus your professors may choose to hold Wednesday’s classes online.  University offices will be closed and employees are asked to work from...

KANSAS CITY — The International Coaching Federation (ICF) recently announced that Avila University has earned a three-year reaccreditation for its Leadership Coaching Certification program. As part of Avila’s Master of Arts in Organizational Development (MSOD), leadership coaching is available as a Master’s concentration or as a certificate. “Accreditation by professional organizations like ICF help our...

Avila University’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), have pledged $1,000,000 to the University. “The Sisters of St. Joseph have always been extremely generous with Avila,” said Avila President, Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA. “This unexpected gift will not only make an immediate impact to the University but help us live our mission...