Introducing Avila University Avila University is a Catholic, co-educational University with liberal arts and professional pro- grams. It is situated on 50 rolling acres in south Kansas City, Missouri. Avila University was founded in 1916 and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. From its modest beginnings, Avila has become a flourishing, comprehensive University offer- ing a variety of degree programs. Founded as the College of St. Teresa, the college grew and expanded to a larger campus in 1963. It was at this time that the college name was changed to Avila to honor St. Teresa of Avila. In 2002, Avila College became Avila University, a name reflecting its growth and development as an institution of higher education. Avila University’s commitment to excellence, to service of students and the community, to quality education of spirit, mind and body, and to the growth of the whole person is deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage and in the lives and beliefs of the founding Sisters of St. Joseph. Students, faculty and staff at Avila University provide a supportive, caring yet challenging envi- ronment in which students receive close personalized attention with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. A strong emphasis is placed on integrating the liberal arts into all programs in order as to pre- pare students for a lifetime of personal fulfillment and career growth. Carefully-planned cours- es in the humanities, arts, natural and social sciences are designed to develop each student’s ability to think critically, analyze written material and write and speak effectively. At Avila University, students acquire those skills necessary for success in a chosen career as well as preparation for graduate or professional studies. Mission Statement of Avila University Avila University, a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a values-based community of learning providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education to prepare students for responsible lifelong contributions to the global community.  (adopted 1986; reviewed 1995; revised 2005) Purposes of Avila University •  Pursue academic excellence by providing an educational experience rooted in the Catholic tradition and in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph, both of which emphasize collabora- tion, examination of social justice issues, responsiveness to needs of others, and respect for the worth and dignity of each individual. •  Offer liberal arts and professional undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in schol- arship with well defined educational outcomes which emphasize communication and think- ing skills, knowledge, and personal, social and spiritual development of each student. •  Strive for excellence through responsiveness to on-going assessment, evaluation, and self- reflection. •  Promote student learning by emphasizing teaching-learning strategies which actively engage the student in the learning process. AVILA UNIVERSITY 6