Avila University

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Avila University
Image: AvilaLogo.jpg
Established: 1916
Type: Private Catholic University
President: Dr. Ronald Slepitza
Faculty: 13 students to 1 teacher
Students: 1,837
Undergraduates: 1,132
Postgraduates: 699
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Colors: Purple and Gold
Mascot: Dominic the Eagle
Affiliations: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Website: http://www.avila.edu/

Avila University is a private university in Kansas City, Missouri sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. It offers Bachelor's degrees in thirty-six majors and Master's degrees: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology/Art Therapy, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Organizational Development, and Master of Arts in Education.

Avila University is just minutes off an interstate highway network and is convenient to Kansas City's many attractions. Its eleven buildings are situated on 50 acres in suburban South Kansas City, Missouri, and include three residence halls, fieldhouse, sports complex for baseball, softball and soccer, library, theatre, chapel, and classroom facilities.

Of the 1,831 students attending Avila University, 34 percent are minorities, creating a diverse and dynamic student body.

Contents

[edit] History

In 1916 on the same campus as St. Teresa's Academy, the Sisters founded Saint Teresa College, a two-year college for women only. In 1941 it became the four-year College of Saint Teresa. Five years later it was fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In 1963 the pioneering spirit of the Sisters lengthened its shadow southward as the college's leadership looked to the then-undeveloped edge of Kansas City for a new location. The campus was built at 119th Street and Wornall Road with a portion of the historic Santa Fe Trail providing its southern border - creating a true intersection of pioneers.

With the move came a new name: Avila University, still in honor of Saint Teresa of Avila. In 1969 Avila widened its path by opening full-time enrollment to men.

[edit] Values

Avila University, a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a values-based community of learning providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education to prepare students for responsible lifelong contributions to the global community. The following are the values we strive to live by every day.

  • Excellence in teaching and learning
  • The Catholic identity of the University
  • The sponsorship and contribution of the Sisters of St. Joseph
  • The worth, dignity, and potential of each human being
  • Diversity and its expression
  • Commitment to the continual growth of the whole person
  • Interaction with and service to others

[edit] Campus

Avila's campus sits on 50 acres in southern Kansas City, Missouri. There are eleven buildings that include three residence halls, a fieldhouse, theatre, student union, library, as well as academic buildings. The campus is easily accessed from I-435 and sits close to the Missouri-Kansas border.


[edit] Student Life

Student life at Avila is quite active with more than 40 student organizations available to the student body, including the Black Student Union, Group Activities Programming, Residence Hall Association, and Campus Ministries.


[edit] Residence Life

Carondelet Hall was the first residence hall built at the current Avila University location. Carondelet houses up to 122 students at its maximum capacity. In the summer of 2005 the first two floors of the hall were renovated to fit the more modern version of a residence hall. In the summer of 2007, the third floor was also renovated. Ridgway Hall was built only a few years after Carondelet Hall. Jeanne Collins Thompson Hall opened Fall of 2007. Thompson Hall features suite-style housing with each suite containing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, and kitchenette.


[edit] Athletics

Avila Athletics participates in HAAC and NAIA. We have over 11 varsity sports including Football, Men and Women's Soccer, Men and Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Softball, and Women's Volleyball. We also have winning Cheer and Dance Teams.

[edit] Academics

At Avila, you will receive personal interaction with scholarly, qualified faculty in real world settings that teach critical thinking, creative problem solving, and communication that prepares students for lifelong contributions to the global community.

[edit] Undergraduate Programs

School of Behavioral & Social Sciences:

School of Business:

School of Education:

College of Humanities & Performing Arts:

School of Nursing:

School of Science & Health:

School of Visual & Communication Arts:

[edit] Graduate Programs

[edit] Adult Undergraduate Degree Programs

[edit] External links