Avila Now

Avila University Welcomes its 105th Graduating Class During commencement exercises on May 14 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Science & Health, and Professional Schools held individual graduation ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate degree earners throughout the day to fulfill social distancing requirements. “It is wonderful for...

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 a conference session titled “Our Students Can Be Our Scientists,” which highlighted the following:  Students...

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. Why was Avila and their program the right fit for you? Avila has a flexible...

After 20+ years in retail management, Kendra Holmes came to Avila for a new lease on life through the Master of Science in Kinesiology program. During the program, she found a strong desire to serve others in the public health sector. Holmes graduated from Avila with her MSK in 2021 and is now a Contact...

Avila Assistant Professor Lida Khalafi, Ph.D., was recently awarded the Undergraduate Analytical Research Program (UARP) grant ($10,000) from the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP). This grant is awarded to promote high-quality, innovative undergraduate research in the field of analytical chemistry. This grant aims to promote the training and development of undergraduate students in...

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? Once you take one class from a professor, they are unlikely to forget you and...

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 surprised you about Avila or the psychology program? I was surprised at how quickly professors...

On Saturday, April 30, 2022, Avila recognized students and faculty at the 36th Annual Honors Recognition Ceremony. The program included a welcome by Vice President for Academic Affairs Ted Whapham, Ph.D., prayer by Director of University Mission and Ministry Dave Armstrong, M.P.S., CSJA, greetings by President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA, presentation of awards by faculty...

The Avila Social Work Department hosted its annual Senior Colloquium on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, with 10 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students presenting their research to an audience and expert Capstone Project rater Matthew Loehr, Ph.D.  As part of their program, students learn that successful social workers demonstrate nine core competencies. BSW students identify...

Recent graduate, Mackenzie Sibon, came to Avila because she could enter into the 4+1 Kinesiology program and earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in five years. “I was able to earn my degrees in the shortest amount of time and also keep my student loans as low as possible,” said Sibon. “I love Avila. It’s...