Opening Minds

Thoughts and profiles from Avila University’s School of Psychology & Cognitive Science professors and graduates.

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  Helping Students Become Better Scientists Through Authentic Research
  In addition to being a full-time professor of psychology and cognitive science at Avila, Jordan Wagge, Ph.D., is also, among many things, the Executive Director of CREP (Collaborative Replication and Education Project) and, most recently, a podcast star. She led…

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  Q&A: Jennifer Attila, MSP ’12
  Jennifer Attila came to Avila to earn her Master of Science in Psychology. She started rapidly developing new health symptoms, which complicated her studies. She was diagnosed with Dystonia. “Upon consulting with my teachers I chose to complete my MS…

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  Q&A: Iri Torres, MSP ’22
  Iri Torres came to Avila as an international student to earn her Master of Science in Psychology and pursue a career in research psychology in the United States. Torres is currently a Psychometrist at the KU Alzheimer’s Research Disease Center….

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  Q&A: Hope Davis, MSP student
  Hope Davis fell in love with psychology in high school and never looked back. She chose Avila’s Master of Science in Psychology because she was looking for a smaller campus community. What surprised you about Avila or the psychology program?…

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  Q&A: Holly France, MSP student
  Holly France chose Avila’s Master of Science in Psychology to gain research experience before applying for a Ph.D. program. Avila’s program has also allowed her to explore career options in the field of psychology. France specifically chose Avila because, What…

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  Q&A: Penny Howard, MSCP ’21
  Penny Howard graduated from Avila University with her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2021. Howard is now provisionally licensed to provide psychotherapy in Kansas and plans to work in group private practice with individuals and couples. “Avila challenged…

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  Q&A: Samual Ziglinski, MSCP student
  Samual Ziglinski is pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Avila University. “I wanted the opportunity to work closely with a wide variety of individuals, and approach the field of psychology from a unique, focused perspective,” said Ziglinski….

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  Q&A: Dariah Wixon, MSCP ’19
  Dariah Wixon was drawn to Avila University’s smaller class sizes, affordable tuition, and notable counseling program. She graduated with her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in December of 2019. Wixon is now a Therapist/Counselor at a private practice in…

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  Q&A: Brandon Brewster, MSP ’20
  Brandon Brewster has always been interested in research. He earned his BA in 2018 from Avila and returned to complete his Master of Science in Psychology in 2020. He is currently a 2nd Year Graduate Student in the Experimental Psychology…

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  Q&A: Lea Morvan, MSP student
  Lea Morvan is an international student who transferred to Avila to complete her Master of Science in Psychology. She wanted a smaller school environment and was drawn into Avila’s MSP program because it offers a variety of research opportunities. These…

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  Q&A: Matt Arnet, MSCP ’06
  Matt Arnet is the Clinical Director of Outpatient Services at KVC Behavioral Healthcare. He chose Avila University to earn his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. “I was looking for a smaller program where I could get to know the…

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  Avila Graduate Students Earn Awards at Great Plains Students Psychology Convention
  Two Avila University psychology graduate students, Eleanor Dick and Lindsay Wing won awards at the 2022 Great Plains Students Psychology Convention held on March 15 & 16 in Emporia, Kansas. This convention brings psychology students together to exchange ideas, discuss…

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  Q&A: Samantha Johnson, MSP ’20
  Samantha Johnson chose Avila to earn her Master of Science in Psychology because she wanted to be a part of a meaningful community. “If you are looking for quality education and relationships, Avila is the right choice for you,” said…

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  Q&A: Alfred Hoppert, MSCP ’17
  Alfred Hoppert earned his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila University in 2017. “I would highly recommend Avila’s MSCP program over others, mainly due to the growth you achieve in the program being very personalized,” said Hoppert who…

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  Q&A: Sarah Josephson, MSCP student
  Sarah Josephson loves talking to people about their emotions and being a listening ear. “I want to help others become the best versions of themselves and find true happiness so they can live a fulfilled life,” said Josephson.  She is…

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  Q&A: Terry Hartley, MSP ’18
  Terry Hartley graduated from Avila in 2018 with her Master of Science in Psychology. After raising a family, she was ready for that next life step. She found that Avila’s MSP was a great fit.  “The class sizes were small,…

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  Q&A: Shamita Mahajan, MSP ’22
  After raising two kids, Shamita Mahajan realized she has a strong passion for helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges. She decided she wanted to return to school to earn a master’s degree.  “When I began exploring options to get a master’s…

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