Avila University

Avila University, a private institution founded in 1916, stands proudly on its motto "Deo adjuvante non timendum" ("With God's help, nothing is to be feared"). What began as a two-year women's college has evolved into a vibrant co-educational university, known for its dedication to student growth and academic excellence in Kansas City.

Its rich history began as the College of Saint Teresa, sharing a campus with St. Teresa's Academy. Initially offering a two-year program for women, the college quickly expanded. By 1939, it was announced that it would become a full four-year institution, opening Donnelly Hall in 1941 and graduating its first four-year class in 1942. A significant academic milestone was the establishment of its Department of Nursing in 1948, providing both diploma and bachelor's degrees.

The institution embarked on a new chapter in 1961, relocating to a sprawling 49-acre campus and being renamed Avila College, honoring Saint Teresa of Avila. Demonstrating a forward-thinking vision, Avila began admitting male students in 1969, fostering a more diverse learning environment. Further expanding its academic reach, graduate programs in business, education, and psychology were introduced in 1978, culminating in its official designation as Avila University in July 2002. Today, with 3,383 students, Avila continues to build on its legacy of growth and comprehensive education.