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 committees, please contact the Alumni Office at 816.501.3780 or alumni@avila.edu. 

Current Board Members

brandon allen ’05

  • B.S. Pre-medicine
  • University of Florida, Vice Chair of Clinical Operations
  • Year Joined: 2021
  • Committee: Athletics
Headshot of Brett Beneke

BRETt BENEKE ’14, ’20

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

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
Headshot of Laura Hoffman

Laura Hoffman ’93

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

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
Headshot for Sheila Luehers

Sheila Luehrs ’89, ’19

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

Sarah McKee ’02

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

indra mursid ’18 ’22

  • BA, Art
  • Johnson County Community College, Counselor
  • Year Joined: 2021
  • Committee: Awards & Recognition
Headshot for Shawna Pena-Downing

Shawna Pena-Downing ’12

  • BFA, Theatre, BA, Communications
  • Avila University, Career Services Coordinator
  • Year Joined: 2018
  • Committee: Professional Development
Headshot for Andy Phillips

Andy Phillips ’06

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

Tonya Phillips ’06, ’09

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

Emilee Rehling ’10

  • BA, Communication
  • Intouch Solutions, Senior Resource Manager
  • Year Joined: 2017
  • Committee: Events & Activities

larry squirers ’92

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

Mary Von Bohland Rau ’99

  • B.S., Pre-Medicine
  • St. Mary’s General Hospital, Physical Therapist
  • Year Joined: 2022
  • Committee: Athletics
Ben Walker Headshot

Ben Walker ’16, ’18

  • BA, Psychology; MBA
  • University of Kansas Health System, Talent Acquisition Consultant
  • Year Joined: 2019
  • Committee: Professional Development
Headshot for Scott White

Scott White ’85

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

Bailey Carr ’09, ’12

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