Avila University President Thomas F. Gordon, J.D., LL.M., announced
his resignation today, effective Jan. 20, 2006. Gordon has been appointed as a federal administrative law judge with the U.S. Department of the Interior in Sacramento, CA., and will begin official duties on Jan. 23, 2006. This is a lifetime appointment.

Avila board of trustees chair Jim Gegg said, “Tom has been an important contributor to Avila since 1978 when he served as our legal counsel. Over the years, Tom has served on the board of counselors, board of trustees, and as president since 2000. He has emphasized strengthening quality education and student life at Avila and his leadership and dedication to excellence will be missed. We wish Tom all the best as he takes on this important judicial appointment and we are deeply indebted for his years of leadership and service to Avila.”

During his six years as Avila’s president, Gordon has led a capital campaign that has raised a record $10.5 million for the university, including the single largest gift in the school’s history.

“My goal as president has been for students to receive a great college experience,” said Gordon, making it Avila’s mission to transform the lives of its students. “ Avila has long been known for its academic excellence and I wanted to combine that with a strong student life experience,” he said. Gordon reached out to the members of the Avila community, frequently dining with students, faculty and staff, spending one night per semester in the residence halls, and keeping open office hours.

Sr. Olive Louise Dallavis, Avila president emerita, said, “President Gordon’s own background prompted his keen interest in knowing, understanding, and cultivating students to become loyal to and supportive of Avila University. Whenever he could, he could be seen sitting, listening, and participating in discussions with students. His six years of presidency at Avila have prepared him well to accept this appointment of federal administrative law judge.”

Avila Career Timeline:

• Legal counsel since 1978
• Board of Counselors from 1980 to 1990
• Board of Trustees from 1990 to 1999
• Interim President 2000
• President from 2001 to 2006

Avila Highlights During Gordon’s Presidency:

• Avila College became Avila University
• Capital campaign received record $10.5 million in gifts, including largest gift in school’s history
• First varsity football, dance, cheer, and golf teams
• Multi-million dollar renovation to Mabee fieldhouse
• Oversaw improvements to campus, including fountain park, bookstore, dining hall, residence halls, and student lounge “The Eagles’ Nest”
• Initiated and implemented strategic planning process
• Maintained open office hours for students, faculty and staff

Avila University is a private, co-educational, values-based liberal arts institution founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and is located at 119th and Wornall Rd in southwest suburban Kansas City, MO.