Dr. Andy Jett named Interim President
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 5, 2025) – The Avila University Board of Trustees has announced that after three impactful years of growth and leadership as President of Avila University, Dr. Jim Burkee is stepping down August 31, having accepted the role as President of Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Florida. Dr. Andy Jett, currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Avila, has been named Interim President beginning September 1.
During Dr. Burkee’s tenure serving as the University’s 15th President, he focused on strategic growth, financial stability and access to education, helping to expand the University’s reputation and reach. Under his leadership, Avila tripled enrollment numbers in three years and doubled revenue growth in two years. In addition, Avila launched Avila University Arizona, its newest campus expanding access to education in the southwestern United States.
“Serving as Avila University President has been an immense privilege,” said Dr. Burkee. “I am so proud of the growth we have achieved in furthering our mission to increase access to education. The University is well-positioned for continued success with Dr. Jett’s leadership and vision.”
Dr. Jett brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education to the role. He is an integral and established figure on campus, having most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Avila University, working closely alongside Dr. Burkee to shape the University’s strategic direction. In 2020, he was named the inaugural Dean for the newly formed College of Professional Schools at Avila, which transformed under his leadership into the College of Innovative Professional and Graduate Studies (CIPGS). CIPGS houses adult undergraduate, graduate, international and workforce development programs and initiatives. Dr. Jett oversees University Enrollment and Avila’s seven locations across the U.S., including the institution’s newest location in Goodyear, Arizona. He has been instrumental in driving the rapid growth of Avila’s international footprint.
Dr. Jett earned his doctoral degree in higher education leadership from Baker University, a master’s degree in religion and philosophy from Baker University, and his bachelor’s degree in organizational behavior from Wichita State University. He has served on the boards of the Mid America Assistance Coalition, University Benchmarking Project and on the Kansas Research and Education Network.
“I’m deeply committed to Avila University and am honored to serve as Interim President,” said Dr. Andy Jett. “The values of service instilled by our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, serve as a constant inspiration and underscore the important Catholic heritage of the University. With so much momentum already in place, I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and our campus community to continue advancing our mission together.”
Avila University recently celebrated its 109th anniversary and announced that its growth trend is continuing into the 2025-2026 school year with a fall enrollment of nearly 3,400 students. The university’s growth has been driven by new academic programs, strategic scholarships, expanded housing, new campus locations and strong international partnerships. These efforts are part of Avila’s mission to remove financial and structural barriers for students seeking a college education.
“We are grateful for Jim’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the University’s mission to improve access to education during his tenure,” said Dr. Ibraheem T. Badejo, ’84, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Avila University. “We look forward to Dr. Jett taking the helm and building on Avila’s exciting growth trajectory.”