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
Brett Beneke ’14, ’20
- Secretary
- CT, English Education; MA, Education
- Year Joined: 2020
- Committee: Awards & Recognition
Shawnalee Criss Petty ’14
- BA, Psychology
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Assessment & Evaluation Analyst
- Year Joined: 2020
- Committee: Events & Activities
Drew Dowd ’18
- BSBA, Marketing
- Avid Communications, Account Executive
- Year Joined: 2021
- Committee: Athletics
Laura Hoffman ’93
- President
- BS, Computer Science/Math
- Cerner Corporation, Integration Executive
- Year Joined: 2019
- Committee: Philanthropy
- Connect on LinkedIn
Jennifer Lindsey ’10, ’15
- 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
Sheila Luehrs ’89, ’19
- BSN, Nursing; MBA
- Cerner Corporation, Director of Clinical Services
- Year Joined: 2020
- Committee: Philanthropy
Sarah McKee ’02
- President-Elect
- BA, History
- UMKC, Course Coordinator
- Year Joined: 2020
- Committee: Athletics
Indra Mursid ’18 ’22
- BA, Art
- Resolve, Clinical Therapist
- Year Joined: 2021
- Committee: Awards & Recognition
Shawna Pena-Downing ’12
- BFA, Theatre, BA, Communications
- Year Joined: 2018
- Committee: Professional Development
Andy Phillips ’06
- BA, Political Science
- H&R Block, Director – Agency & Industry Relations
- Year Joined: 2019
- Committee: Professional Development
Tonya Phillips ’06, ’09
- BSB, Marketing; MBA
- Zerto, Regional Sales Director
- Year Joined: 2019
- Committee: Awards & Recognition
Emilee Rehling ’10
- BA, Communication
- Real Chemistry, Senior Resource Manager
- Year Joined: 2017
- Committee: Events & Activities
Larry Squiers ’92
- BSBA, Information Science
- DST Systems, Director
- Year Joined: 2021
- Committee: Athletics
Mary Von Bohland Rau ’99
- B.S., Pre-Medicine
- Fort Osage School District, Physical Therapist
- Year Joined: 2022
- Committee: Athletics
Ben Walker ’16, ’18
- BA, Psychology; MBA
- UMB, Talent Acquisition Consultant
- Year Joined: 2019
- Committee: Professional Development
Scott White ’85
- BS, Chemistry
- Honeywell FM&T, Administrator Principal
- Year Joined: 2017
- Committee: Events & Activities