Avila Now

“I was an award-winning participant in the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair back when I attended Shawnee Mission West High School in the 1980s,” said Avila Professor Karin Gastreich, Ph.D. “That was the experience that launched my career in science.” At Avila, Gastreich mentors students to help launch their science careers by inviting...

“38% of students at two-year colleges experienced food insecurity in fall 2020, along with 29% of students at four-year colleges. The number is much higher among students of color, according to The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice’s #RealCollegeSurvey published in March 2021. The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic – furloughs, pay cuts,...

Katie Brenner is a full-time employee, wife, and mom. She’s also a full-time student pursuing a double major in Business and Human Resources at Avila. Her grit, attitude, and academic achievements earned Brenner the Avila Institute for Professional Studies Undergraduate Student of the Year Award.  “In the last year working with Katie as her advisor,...

Megan Deaver attended Avila University as an undergrad and loved the small environment and “culture of caring.” She decided to earn her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Deaver graduated with her MSCP in 2017. She is now a Private Practice Licensed Professional Counselor and Avila University Adjunct Instructor. Why was Avila and their counseling...

Avila University Welcomes its 105th Graduating Class During commencement exercises on May 14 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Science & Health, and Professional Schools held individual graduation ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate degree earners throughout the day to fulfill social distancing requirements. “It is wonderful for...

In addition to being a full-time professor of psychology and cognitive science at Avila, Jordan Wagge, Ph.D., is also, among many things, the Executive Director of CREP (Collaborative Replication and Education Project) and, most recently, a podcast star. She led a conference session titled “Our Students Can Be Our Scientists,” which highlighted the following:  Students...

Iri Torres came to Avila as an international student to earn her Master of Science in Psychology and pursue a career in research psychology in the United States. Torres is currently a Psychometrist at the KU Alzheimer’s Research Disease Center. Why was Avila and their program the right fit for you? Avila has a flexible...

After 20+ years in retail management, Kendra Holmes came to Avila for a new lease on life through the Master of Science in Kinesiology program. During the program, she found a strong desire to serve others in the public health sector. Holmes graduated from Avila with her MSK in 2021 and is now a Contact...

Avila Assistant Professor Lida Khalafi, Ph.D., was recently awarded the Undergraduate Analytical Research Program (UARP) grant ($10,000) from the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP). This grant is awarded to promote high-quality, innovative undergraduate research in the field of analytical chemistry. This grant aims to promote the training and development of undergraduate students in...

Hope Davis fell in love with psychology in high school and never looked back. She chose Avila’s Master of Science in Psychology because she was looking for a smaller campus community. What surprised you about Avila or the psychology program? Once you take one class from a professor, they are unlikely to forget you and...