Avila Now

Holly France chose Avila’s Master of Science in Psychology to gain research experience before applying for a Ph.D. program. Avila’s program has also allowed her to explore career options in the field of psychology. France specifically chose Avila because, What surprised you about Avila or the psychology program? I was surprised at how quickly professors...

On Saturday, April 30, 2022, Avila recognized students and faculty at the 36th Annual Honors Recognition Ceremony. The program included a welcome by Vice President for Academic Affairs Ted Whapham, Ph.D., prayer by Director of University Mission and Ministry Dave Armstrong, M.P.S., CSJA, greetings by President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA, presentation of awards by faculty...

The Avila Social Work Department hosted its annual Senior Colloquium on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, with 10 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students presenting their research to an audience and expert Capstone Project rater Matthew Loehr, Ph.D.  As part of their program, students learn that successful social workers demonstrate nine core competencies. BSW students identify...

Recent graduate, Mackenzie Sibon, came to Avila because she could enter into the 4+1 Kinesiology program and earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in five years. “I was able to earn my degrees in the shortest amount of time and also keep my student loans as low as possible,” said Sibon. “I love Avila. It’s...

On Tuesday, April 26, Avila inducted four new members–Chloe Brunswick, Nayley Jimenez, Elisa Nunez, and Hannah Rogers–into the national biology honor society, TriBeta, during the 24th Annual Induction Ceremony.  The evening included the induction ceremony by CJ Talton (TriBeta President) and Associate Professor Katie Burgess, Ph.D., dinner for inductees and family guests, and  guest speaker...

Hannah Lentell had a BS in Kinesiology and was working full time. She knew she wanted to earn a master’s degree, but was worried about the time commitment and how she could possibly do both. She met with Dr. Larson at Avila University and found out she could earn her Master of Science in Kinesiology...

Penny Howard graduated from Avila University with her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2021. Howard is now provisionally licensed to provide psychotherapy in Kansas and plans to work in group private practice with individuals and couples. “Avila challenged and prepared me to do this work in a sound, ethical, and soulful manner,” said...

Student Scholar Day at Avila is an annual,  full-day, campus-wide celebration of the student scholarship. This year was 21st Student Scholar Day which occurred on April 21, 2022, and featured seven oral presentations, seven poster presentations, and a faculty scholar presentation by Debra Olson-Morrison, Ph.D., chair for the School of Social Sciences. Student projects often...

Avila student Cesar Valderrama is one of 200 students selected for the 2022 Stay the Course Grant. This program is increasingly important due to the pandemic.  “I am very honored to have received this grant and thankful for the continued support from my professors. I am hoping to continue my education in Computer Science. With...

Twenty seniors from Avila’s School of Imaging Science recently attended the Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists’ annual conference on April 6-8 in Columbia, Missouri. Attendees experienced lectures about advancements in the field and best practices for improving patient care and competed against students from other programs in Missouri in a fast-paced, competitive “Ray Bowl.”  “The...