Alumni Board

The Avila University Alumni Board cultivates an ongoing connection between alumni, current students and stakeholders—who build traditions, create opportunities and serve the community. The board is made up of members from Avila’s Alumni Association with the responsibility to advise the University on alumni-related policies and activities.

If you would like more information on the board or joining one of the below board committees, please contact the Alumni Office at 816.501.3602, alumni@avila.edu or connect with one our board members below  

Current Board Committees

  • Athletics – fosters relationships between alumni athletes and the current teams and coaches
  • Awards & Recognition – requests and reviews nominations for the alumni awards and identifies ways to recognize alumni accomplishments
  • Events & Activities – assists the Alumni Office in planning and executing different events and activities for alumni including Homecoming and Wine 101
  • Philanthropy – works on service to the community and alumni, including helping with Steer Dinner and Dear Neighbor recognition
  • Professional Development – works on professional development opportunities for alumni and current students

Current Board Members

Headshot of Brett Beneke

Brett Beneke ’14, ’20

Connect on LinkedIn

  • Secretary
  • CT, English Education; MA, Education
  • Year Joined: 2020
  • Committee: Awards & Recognition
Headshot of Shawnalee Criss Petty

Shawnalee Criss Petty ’14

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BA, Psychology
  • University of Kansas School of Medicine, Assessment & Evaluation Analyst
  • Year Joined: 2020
  • Committee: Events & Activities

Drew Dowd ’18

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BSBA, Marketing
  • Avid Communications, Account Executive
  • Year Joined: 2021
  • Committee: Athletics

Laura Hoffman ’93

Connect on LinkedIn

  • President
  • BS, Computer Science/Math
  • Cerner Corporation, Integration Executive
  • Year Joined: 2019
  • Committee: Philanthropy
  • Connect on LinkedIn
Headshot for Jennifer Lindsey

Jennifer Lindsey ’10, ’15

Connect on LinkedIn

  • Vice President of Strategy
  • BA, Psychology & Sociology, MS, Organizational Development Psychology
  • EPR Properties, HR Generalist & Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Lead
  • Year Joined: 2019
  • Committee: Professional Development
Headshot for Sheila Luehers

Sheila Luehrs ’89, ’19

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BSN, Nursing; MBA
  • Cerner Corporation, Director of Clinical Services
  • Year Joined: 2020
  • Committee: Philanthropy
Headshot for Sarah McKee

Sarah McKee ’02

Connect on LinkedIn

  • President-Elect
  • BA, History
  • UMKC, Course Coordinator
  • Year Joined: 2020
  • Committee: Athletics

Indra Mursid ’18 ’22

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BA, Art
  • Resolve, Clinical Therapist
  • Year Joined: 2021
  • Committee: Awards & Recognition
Headshot for Shawna Pena-Downing

Shawna Pena-Downing ’12

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BFA, Theatre, BA, Communications
  • Year Joined: 2018
  • Committee: Professional Development
Headshot for Andy Phillips

Andy Phillips ’06

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BA, Political Science
  • H&R Block, Director – Agency & Industry Relations
  • Year Joined: 2019
  • Committee: Professional Development
Headshot for Tonya Phillips

Tonya Phillips ’06, ’09

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BSB, Marketing; MBA
  • Zerto, Regional Sales Director
  • Year Joined: 2019
  • Committee: Awards & Recognition
Headshot for Emilee Rehling

Emilee Rehling ’10

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BA, Communication
  • Real Chemistry, Senior Resource Manager
  • Year Joined: 2017
  • Committee: Events & Activities

Larry Squiers ’92

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BSBA, Information Science
  • DST Systems, Director
  • Year Joined: 2021
  • Committee: Athletics

Mary Von Bohland Rau ’99

Connect on LinkedIn

  • B.S., Pre-Medicine
  • Fort Osage School District, Physical Therapist
  • Year Joined: 2022
  • Committee: Athletics
Ben Walker Headshot

Ben Walker ’16, ’18

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BA, Psychology; MBA
  • UMB, Talent Acquisition Consultant
  • Year Joined: 2019
  • Committee: Professional Development
Headshot for Scott White

Scott White ’85

Connect on LinkedIn

  • BS, Chemistry
  • Honeywell FM&T, Administrator Principal
  • Year Joined: 2017
  • Committee: Events & Activities
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