2025 Award Winners
2024-25 School of Business
Academic Achievement Awards
Outstanding MBA
Hailey Lucas
Liberty, MO
Major: Finance
Honoree: “Hailey is truly an exemplary student with outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills. Highly motivated and always working hard, she is the top of her class. She is also a very natural leader in classroom discussions and group projects, always ready to offer her help to others when needed.”
— Dr. Ling Zhang, Associate Professor of Finance
Avila Faves: “I am an Avila Ambassador and a legacy student, my dad graduated from Avila in the eighties. I chose to come to Avila after my first meeting with Dr. Acker, the more she talked not only about the business program and the opportunities like the 4+1 program, but Avila the more I wanted to come. I enjoy the availability of adjunct professors who give a real-world perspective while having the balance of doctorate degrees. I have been able to see both perspectives clearly which has helped me grow not only in this field, but as a person.”
Updates/Plans: “Currently I am in the 4+1 program and plan to finish my MBA in Finance while continuing my accounting clerk position at a local firm in the Metro.”
Madison (Maddie) Milligan
Knob Noster, MO
Major: Accounting
Honoree: “I would like to say a special thank you to Maddie’s family for raising such a kind, caring, and mature young professional and for sharing her with us over the past few years. She has been a true blessing to our program here at Avila. I can’t wait to watch her move onto the next challenge and approach it with such tenacity that Maddie Milligan always does!”
— Sarah Carvalho, Adjunct Professor & Avila MBA Alumna
Note: Maddie’s father, Rob, is an MBA alum and past recipient of the Outstanding MBA Award.
Avila Faves: “Throughout my time at Avila I was able to not only gain adequate knowledge and education but an amazing experience that led me to meeting many great people and gaining tons of great experience and opportunities. Forming relationships within the school of business at Avila was no hard task as the staff and professors are so eager to help you and cheer you on along your journey. One of my favorite things about Avila was how helpful and resourceful the staff are. Being a college student can be challenging but the encouragement and quick help of the professors and staff surely made it much easier. Overall, there are many things about Avila that make it so amazing, but the one-on-one help from staff shines through!”
Updates/Plans: “Upon completion of my bachelor’s degree in December, I began the MBA track here at Avila and plan to be graduating in December with an MBA with a focus in accounting. I am also currently doing a tax accounting internship and plan to continue gaining experience in this field of accounting as I work my way to obtaining my CPA license. I am excited for what is ahead & beyond thankful for the professors and staff here at Avila who have pushed me to set goals and work effectively to reach them! ”
Kirsten Zirjacks
Liberty, MO
Major: Accounting; William Randall Sowers Award*
Honoree: “She is always happy to help a fellow student or just be that silent leader in the classroom who makes good choices and brings joy to the class. I am excited to see how she continues to impact lives beyond Avila. We are fortunate to have had her as a student — now as one of our decorated alumni.”
— Sarah Carvalho, Adjunct Professor & Avila MBA Alumna
Avila Faves: “Throughout my time at Avila, I have had many incredible experiences that have shaped my journey. Since my freshman year, I have been a proud member of the women’s bowling team, which has been both exciting and rewarding. Through the sport, I have built lasting friendships, and those connections have only grown stronger. Beyond athletics, my experiences with my professors have been just as meaningful. Dr. Malcolm Gold was the first professor I met and he immediately made a lasting impression. At the time, it was freshman orientation and I was unsure of what to expect. I was nervous about the new chapter I was about to start. However, knowing I could rely on him for guidance and support gave me confidence as I navigated my first year and beyond. Over the years, many other professors have also taken on this roll, always offering their guidance and encouragement. Whether I needed help with coursework or advice on college life, I knew I could count on them. Their unwavering support has had a lasting impact on my experience, shaping both my academic and personal growth.”
Updates/Plans: “I am currently enrolled in the MBA program at Avila and plan to graduate in December. After that, I intend to pursue my CPA certification, dedicating time to studying and preparing for the exams. During my time at Avila, I completed an internship that turned into a full-time position, where I now work. My goal is to continue growing within the company, gaining experience, and eventually working my way up the ladder to become a CPA and beyond. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to advancing my career in the accounting industry”
Undergraduate Award Winners
Kendal Wooley
Plano, TX
Majors: Finance and Marketing
Honoree:“Kendal Wooley has shown tremendous academic growth since his first Marketing class with me. He’s a true student-athlete with a great desire to apply marketing theory. He’s bright, engaging, and produces excellent work. Congratulations, Kendal — well deserved!”
— Vince Vandehaar, Adjunct Professor
Avila Faves: “I came to Avila to play football, but I was blessed to receive much more than just football during my 3 ½ years. Academically, I had the honor of learning from some incredible professors. Due to Avila being a smaller private school, I was able to connect with these professors on a more personal level, which made my time here truly worthwhile. I deeply appreciate the support from Avila, and it is a blessing to be recognized for my hard work and dedication during my college career. Outside of academics, I had the opportunity to be heavily involved in school activities. Looking back, these experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as an individual. I was fortunate to be part of several amazing groups, including Residence Life, Student Life, Avila Football, and the Avila Black Student Union. Through these organizations, I built meaningful relationships with great people along the way. My experience at Avila has played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
Updates/Plans: “For the future, I am eager to use my academic success and background in the business world. However, my aspirations extend beyond traditional career paths. Right now my primary goal is to pursue a career in professional football, a dream I’ve had for a long time now and have been working at this alongside my studies at Avila. I am currently seeking for an opportunity to showcase my skills even if I have to take a longer route. In addition to that, I am passionate about fashion, more specifically streetwear and I have been conceptualizing my own brand for almost a year now. I would utilize my marketing and finance knowledge to launch and grow this brand, creating unique designs that reflect my personal style, creativity, and vision. This would allow me to combine my creative interests with my business acumen. As of now, I am taking things a day at a time and will go wherever the Lord may take me!”