Avila Now

Kansas City, MO — Avila University is pleased to announce the recent actions of its Board of Trustees, including the election of seven new trustees, the appointment of a new slate of board officers, and the renewal of terms for ten sitting trustees, for terms ending June 30, 2028. New Board Officers The Board of...

New Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Innovation responds to workplace needs while advancing Avila’s mission to strengthen communities and improve lives.  Avila University has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to launch its first doctoral program, the Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Innovation. Rooted in Avila’s mission to serve the dear neighbor without distinction...

University projects 16 percent year-over-year enrollment growth and recognition among the Top 100 private Regional Universities in the Midwest. Avila University is entering the fall 2026 semester with strong enrollment momentum, continued expansion into new markets, and national recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Overall enrollment is estimated to be 16 percent higher than...

Launched through the lead gift of Belinda Ruth Troxler ’88 The Dr. Charlene Gould Endowed Chair in the Performing Arts will enhance the prestige of an already outstanding program. Avila University’s lead donor, Belinda Ruth Troxler ’88, is a dedicated supporter of Avila University. She has committed her time, energy, and financial support to Avila...

Avila University’s School of Nursing continues to outperform the national NCLEX-RN benchmark. As of today, 54 of 56 eligible graduates have taken the NCLEX-RN examination. Of those tested, 52 have passed, producing a current first-timxe pass rate of 96.42%, well above the 2025 national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates of 86.7%. These outcomes...

There are moments in education that extend far beyond the classroom—moments when conversations become catalysts for understanding, cultures connect through shared experiences, and tomorrow’s leaders discover that meaningful change begins with asking thoughtful questions. On Friday, July 17, Avila University had the distinct honor of accompanying students participating in the INSPIRE International Exchange Program to...

 The future of higher education is built on collaboration, and on June 17, Avila University took another step toward expanding access and opportunity through the formal launch of three new community partnerships.  Faculty, staff, students, and community leaders gathered in the Whitfield Center as Avila University officially welcomed the I AM Foundation, Youth Ambassadors, and...

Official Announcement The Board of Trustees of Avila University is honored to announce the appointment of Dr. Todd Pfannestiel as the 16th President of Avila University. Dr. Pfannestiel brings more than 27 years of distinguished higher education leadership experience, having served most recently as President of Utica University. His appointment follows a comprehensive national search...

Kansas City, MO — Avila University’s Collegiate DECA chapter delivered its strongest international performance in program history at the 2026 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), held April 18–22 in Louisville, Kentucky. The conference brought together more than 1,000 college students from across the world to compete for international titles and DECA’s highest honors....

Kansas City, Mo. — April 29, 2026 — Avila University celebrated a historic milestone as it awarded degrees to a record-breaking 820 graduates during its commencement ceremonies. This marked the largest graduating class in the university’s history and reflected Avila’s growing impact on the Kansas City region and beyond. The Class of 2026 included 240...