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 Center 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 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.
CSJ Associates at Avila
As a CSJ institution, Avila offers members of our community who feel called to live the mission of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, throughout their lifetime the opportunity to take part in the CSJ Associates program offered by the Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
About the Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph
The Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is a dynamic union of all the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the United States who claim a common origin in the foundation at Le Puy, France in 1650. This includes 2,423 sisters, 2,820 associates, and 63 agrégées of 16 Congregations throughout the United States. The Federation moves us to greater consciousness of our kinship in grace and calls us to fidelity to that grace. Together we strive to embody a vision of all people united in one earth community of love and unity. We do this through collaborative programs, interaction, prayer and ministry. In our conflicted 21st century world, the Sisters of Saint Joseph seek to bring our traditions and vision to life in a way that will speak to our contemporary society and be a positive influence for change.
Source: The Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph
Who Are the Associates?
“Associates are people who desire to more fully live Gospel values in the daily circumstances of their lives. Associates are non-vowed partners who undertake no binding financial or legal commitments to the sisters and continue to live the lifestyle to which God has called them. Associates gather with community for prayer and shared faith life; participate in opportunities for ministry; attend sponsored events and growth opportunities; grow in understanding the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph; celebrate and share social occasions; and extend the charism, spirituality and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph in their relationships.”
Source: The Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Become an Associate
How Do I Become an Associate?
Associates enter into a process in which they experience the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph through relationships with sisters, associates and other interested people and by learning the history, spirituality and ministry of the community.
Any questions? Contact the Federation at info@cssjfed.org.
What Association Offers
- Support and challenge of a faith community committed to deepening a personal relationship with God, neighbor and all creation
- Opportunities for personal growth
- Personal relationships with sisters and associates
- Participation in retreats, days of prayer, workshops and celebrations
- Gatherings in a small community of sisters and associates
- Invitations to participate in local and national activities
Avila Associate Community
As of September 2026, the Associates at Avila University are:
- Deanna Angotti
- David Armstrong
- Kelly Armstrong
- Sue Fahey
- Darby Gough
- Charlene Gould (Avila Emerita)
- Angie Heer (Avila Alum)
- Paige Illum (Avila Employee)
- Melissa Faye Johnson
- Nyakio Kaniu-Lake (Avila Alum)
- Tracy Koehler (Avila Employee)
- Sue Ellen McCalley (Avila Employee)
- Jody Mitchell (Avila Employee and Alum)
- Brian Moore (Avila Employee)
- Alicia Murillo
- Nicole Nicoll
- Debra Olson-Morrison (Avila Employee)
- Cathy Taylor Osborne
- Allison Ouellette (Avila Employee)
- Lisa Power
- Ann Prochman
- Maureen Reardon (Avila Employee and Alum)
- Barbara Roberts
- Cory Roup
- Nancy Seibolt (Avila Alum)
- Ron Slepitza (Avila Emeritus)
- Suzanne Slepitza
- Leslie Smith (Avila Employee)
- Regina Staves (Avila Employee and Alum)
- Sarah Sullivan (Avila Employee and Alum)
- Debbie Thornton
- Kate Thompson Brown
- Paul Toler
- Jordan Wagge (Avila Employee)
- Brian Webb (Avila Employee)
- Janet Woulfe
- James Wright (Avila Alum)
The 4,816 Service Challenge
Service has always been at the heart of Avila University’s mission and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. To honor that legacy, Avila is launching the 4,816 Service Challenge.
The distance from Le Puy-en-Velay, France, where the Sisters of St. Joseph were founded, to 11901 Wornall Road, the home of Avila University, is approximately 4,816 miles. This distance symbolizes the journey that brought the Sisters of St. Joseph from Le Puy-en-Velay to the Avila community we know today. The number also carries special significance for our community: the final two digits, 16, honor 1916, the year St. Teresa’s Academy, now Avila University, first opened its doors.
Rather than focusing on a large institutional service-hour goal, Avila is setting a more meaningful and achievable target: 4,816 hours of community service completed by our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Each hour represents our commitment to serving the dear neighbor and continuing the mission entrusted to us by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Have you completed community service? Help us reach our goal by submitting your hours through the form below. Every act of service matters, and every hour brings us one step closer to 4,816.
Avila Community Service Hours Tracker
Use this form to report completed community service hours for tracking and recognition purposes. Submissions are reviewed by the Mission team and may be used for campus communications and sponsor reporting.