Avila Now

Avila University Campus Ministry invites students to a powerful night of reflection, inspiration, and conversation at Faith in Athletics, featuring guest speaker JJ Niekro, former Atlanta Braves minor-league pitcher. Taking place on February 19 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Avila University, this event explores the intersection of faith, discipline, perseverance, and athletics. Drawing from his experiences...

New partnership delivers self-paced learning and AI-supported coaching for sustainable supply chains and leadership skills. The Institute of Food & Agribusiness Leadership (IFAL) has joined forces with Kansas City-based Avila University to launch a fully online curriculum designed to boost critical workforce skills for the U.S. food and agribusiness industries. The programs are built to...

At Avila University, we cannot be silent in the face of fear, division, and the diminishing of human dignity that we are witnessing across our country right now. As a Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we stand firmly and unapologetically for the God given dignity of every person and...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Avila University Associate Athletic Director Boyd Pitkin has been named the 2026 recipient of the Robert E. “Ish” Smith Achievement Award by the NAIA. The award was presented at the NAIA Baseball Coaches’ Association Meeting and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the promotion of NAIA Baseball...

Kansas City, Mo. — Avila University will host a historic evening of dialogue, reflection, and civic leadership as part of the Harry S. Truman Distinguished Lecture Series with “Dialogue with Descendants: A Truman–Eisenhower Legacy Conversation” on Thursday, January 29, 2025, at the Goppert Theatre on Avila University’s campus. This special event brings together Mary Jean...

Avila University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Laura C. Hartley as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, beginning June 2026. With more than 25 years of leadership in higher education, Dr. Hartley brings extensive experience across mission-driven institutions and a deep understanding of strategic planning, academic operations, and student success. Colleagues...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Bringing more than 40 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience to Kansas City, Avila football is pleased to announce the hiring of Ed Warinner as the university’s head football coach. A 2014 National Champion as the Offensive Coordinator at Ohio State, Warinner has five total seasons as a Division I assistant...

At Avila University, Education Without Limits reflects a commitment to students that begins the moment they arrive on campus and continues well beyond graduation. It represents a culture of support, opportunity, and genuine care for every student’s future. Recent data highlights the strength of an Avila education, and the real outcomes students achieve as they...

Avila University’s Own, Dr. Shandon Boone ’20 At Avila University, we believe in empowering students to pursue bold goals, and Dr. Shandon Boone is living proof of what happens when ambition meets support. A 2020 graduate with a degree in Health & Professional Sciences, Dr. Boone is now a thriving General Dentist in Shawnee, Kansas,...

We’re proud to announce that Avila University has been nationally recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Affordable Online Healthcare MBA Programs! This honor highlights Avila’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible, and student-centered education—empowering future healthcare leaders without the burden of high tuition costs. Avila’s online Healthcare Administration MBA offers: At Avila, we...