Avila Now

 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...

Kansas City, MO — Avila University proudly recognized outstanding faculty and staff during its annual awards celebration, honoring individuals whose dedication, service, and leadership continue to shape the Avila community. The ceremony highlighted milestone Years of Service Awards, recognizing employees for their long-standing commitment to the University. Honorees included: These individuals were celebrated for their...

Tell us a little bit about your decision to come to Avila. When I decided to pursue my MBA in the U.S., I knew it would be a way to level up my career and education. It was a big decision, but I wanted to challenge myself and open doors to new opportunities. However, I...

Authored by: J. Anthony Snorgrass, PhD, Professor of Communications and the Director, Center for Truth, Racial Healing & Social Justice This week marked the beginning of Black History Month.  Each February since 1976 this annual observance is recognized February 1st through March 1st throughout the United States and is also recognized in Canada, the Republic of Ireland, Germany,...

Kansas City, MO – (December 9, 2024) – In response to ongoing financial pressures faced by students who hope to earn a college degree, Avila University is proud to announce the launch of the Avila Access Award, which provides free tuition for eligible students to attend Avila University. Any student living in a Missouri household with...

Buchanan Hall will accommodate recent growth, serve as home for Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence Sept. 26, 2024 – KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Avila University’s ribbon-cutting today accomplished several important objectives with one slice of the oversized scissors: offering expanded and updated student housing as the school experiences a historic stretch of recent growth;...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – August 7, 2024 – Today, Avila University and North Kansas City Hospital/Meritas Health (NKCH/MH) announced a new partnership to provide expanded access to nursing education to students within our community. Through this partnership, NKCH/MH will provide hands-on clinical learning in tandem with Avila’s programs to prepare aspiring nurses to enter the...