The Avila University board of trustees announced today the appointment of former board chairperson James C. Willcox as interim president of Avila University effective January 23, 2006.

“I am very excited to be called back to Avila and look forward to doing everything I can to aid in this important transition. This is a comfortable move for me as I am familiar with the executive staff, the university itself, and have been directly involved as a member of the steering committee of the capital campaign. To date, our donors have been extremely supportive and we look forward to successfully reaching our goals,” Willcox stated.

Willcox has been employed by a number of companies over his 30-year career in business, and most recently served as president and CEO of American Marketing Industries. Willcox holds a degree in communication arts from Xavier University and he has served on a number of boards in the Kansas City community. Currently he is a member of the Avila University board of trustees and has been for nearly 10 years, serving as chair of the board for the last five years.

Jim Gegg, chair of Avila’s board of trustees said, “Jim Willcox is well known to the Avila community and is well respected by the board, administration, faculty, and key supporters. We are indeed fortunate to have such a seasoned executive who possesses deep institutional knowledge of Avila take on this important responsibility.”

The board of trustees is appointing a search committee, which will conduct a national search for Avila’s next president.