聽The future of higher education is built on collaboration, and on June 17, 海角直播 took another step toward expanding access and opportunity through the formal launch of three new community partnerships.聽

Faculty, staff, students, and community leaders gathered in the Whitfield Center as 海角直播 officially welcomed the I AM Foundation, Youth Ambassadors, and KIPP KC Legacy High School as new institutional partners committed to creating pathways to educational success. 

The ceremony reflected 海角直播’s enduring mission of preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community while living out the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to serve the dear neighbor without distinction. 

“At 海角直播, we believe education changes lives,” said Jonathan M. Jackson, Executive Director of Admissions & Marketing. “These partnerships represent more than signed agreements, they represent a shared commitment to creating pathways to higher education, removing barriers for students, and investing in the future of our communities.” 

The new partnerships are expected to bring approximately 30 students to 海角直播 this fall through collaborative recruitment efforts, college access initiatives, and student support programs. More importantly, they represent a long-term investment in students, families, and the Kansas City community. 

Among those students is A’iyanna Newman, a graduate of KIPP KC Legacy High School, whose academic accomplishments opened doors to numerous collegiate opportunities. 海角直播 is honored to continue her educational journey as an Eagle this fall. 

“We do not take opportunities like this for granted,” Jackson said. “A’iyanna’s story is extraordinary, but every student who chooses Avila is special. Each student brings unique talents, experiences, and dreams that enrich the culture and legacy of our university.” 

A centerpiece of the ceremony was the launch of the Avila鈥揔IPP College Access Partnership, an initiative designed to strengthen college readiness and expand opportunities through dedicated admissions support, dual credit, and dual enrollment pathways. 

“At KIPP KC Legacy High School, we are committed to ensuring our students have access to transformational opportunities,” said 3Dayna Sanders, Executive Director of KIPP KC Legacy High School. “This partnership with 海角直播 creates meaningful pathways for our students and demonstrates what is possible when institutions come together in support of educational equity and student success.” 

The partnership with the I AM Foundation, led by Executive Director Elijah Dormeus, seeks to further support students through mentorship, personal development, and college access opportunities. 

“We are excited to partner with 海角直播 in creating new opportunities for the students and families we serve,” said Dormeus. “Together, we are investing in future leaders and ensuring that more students have access to the support needed to pursue higher education.” 

Likewise, Youth Ambassadors, under the leadership of Dr. Monique Johnston, shares 海角直播’s belief in empowering students to become leaders in their communities. 

“Our partnership with 海角直播 reflects a shared belief in the potential of every student,” said Johnston. “By working together, we can provide transformative experiences that empower young people to lead, serve, and succeed.” 

Dr. Laura Hartley, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, emphasized the role these partnerships play in advancing Avila’s academic mission. 

“At 海角直播, we are committed to creating transformative educational experiences that empower students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally,” Hartley said. “These partnerships reflect our shared belief that access to higher education can change lives, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation of leaders.” 

The ceremony concluded with the signing of partnership agreements, an exchange of organizational t-shirts, and commemorative photographs celebrating the beginning of these collaborative efforts. 

As 海角直播 continues to strengthen relationships throughout Kansas City, these partnerships serve as a reminder that when institutions work together, opportunities grow, barriers are reduced, and students are empowered to achieve their fullest potential. 

Because at 海角直播, education is more than a degree; it is a pathway to purpose, service, and impact. 

The conference brought together more than 1,000 college students from across the world to compete for international titles and DECA鈥檚 highest honors. Competing on this global stage, Avila students demonstrated exceptional preparation, professionalism, and competitive excellence.

Representing 海角直播 at the conference were students Isaiah Keepes, Hadiyah Bayan, and Nathan Eckert, who showcased the strength and talent of the university鈥檚 growing DECA program.

Leading the way was third-year communication student Isaiah Keepes, who earned a Top 10 finish in the world in Advertising Campaign, marking a significant milestone for 海角直播. Keepes also earned finalist recognition in Retail Management, showcasing his versatility and strength across multiple competitive categories.

鈥淢y Advertising Campaign was a project I developed and continuously refined throughout the year. Earning a Top 10 finish on the international stage reinforced that hard work and dedication truly pay off,鈥� said Isaiah Keepes, President of Avila鈥檚 Collegiate DECA chapter.

Beyond competition, Avila students also made an impact through leadership and service. Keepes served as Missouri鈥檚 lead voting delegate during the conference and officially concluded his term as President of Missouri Collegiate DECA, representing both the university and the state at the highest level.

The chapter is advised by Teresa Johnson, Assistant Professor of Visual Communication, Director of the Thornhill Art Gallery, and faculty member within the College of Arts & Sciences, whose mentorship continues to support student success both in and out of the classroom.

This historic showing reflects 海角直播鈥檚 commitment to experiential learning, leadership development, and preparing students to succeed in competitive, real-world environments. Through opportunities like DECA, students are empowered to apply classroom knowledge, sharpen professional skills, and gain meaningful experience on a global stage.

Collegiate DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through competitions, conferences, and professional development experiences. Programs like this continue to elevate Avila students, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers.

As Avila continues to invest in student success and career readiness, this achievement sets a new standard for the university鈥檚 DECA program and reinforces its mission to develop bold, capable leaders prepared to make an impact in their fields.

For more information about 海角直播 Collegiate DECA, contact 海角直播 or follow on Instagram.

Kansas City, Mo. 鈥� April 29, 2026 鈥� 海角直播 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 undergraduate students and 580 graduate students, signaling continued expansion in advanced degree programs and a rising demand for career-focused, flexible education pathways.

Graduates represented a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, education, business, and technology鈥攆ields that played a critical role in meeting workforce needs across the region. As industries continued to evolve, Avila’s emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world preparation ensured students were equipped to transition seamlessly into their careers.

“Graduating our largest class to date is a defining moment for 海角直播 and for the Kansas City community,” said Andy Jett, Interim President of 海角直播. “These 820 graduates are entering the workforce prepared to lead, serve, and make an immediate impact in industries that need them most.”

This milestone reflected Avila’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education. Through innovative academic pathways, flexible learning options, and targeted scholarship programs, the university continued to remove barriers and create opportunities for students from all backgrounds. These efforts directly contributed to increased enrollment, improved retention, and higher degree completion rates.

Beyond the classroom, Avila students were known for their dedication to service and leadership鈥攙alues rooted in the university’s mission. Throughout their time on campus, many students engaged in internships, community-based learning, and experiential opportunities across the Kansas City area and throughout the United States. These experiences not only enhanced student learning but also strengthened partnerships between the university and the communities it served.

Commencement ceremonies took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 海角直播, where graduates were honored alongside faculty, families, and community partners in celebration of their achievements.

“Our graduates leave Avila ready to contribute meaningfully from day one,” Jett added. “This moment is not just a celebration of their success, but a reflection of the impact they will have in their professions and communities.”

Kansas City, MO 鈥� 海角直播 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:

• 5 Years: Anita Arnold, Cheryl Carlin, Matt Carpenter, Charlie Kennedy, Monica Lomax, Jon Mandracchia, Tom Pfeifer, Debbie Olson-Morrison, Malissa Tolliver, Paul Wolf 
• 10 Years: Teresa Johnson, Joe Henshaw
• 20 Years: Marcia Pasqualini, Tabitha Lundquist 
• 25 Years: Paige Illum 
• 30 Years: Brian Buckler 

These individuals were celebrated for their lasting impact and dedication to Avila鈥檚 mission of service and education.

The University also recognized exceptional achievement through several distinguished awards:

The Leadership Impact Award was presented to Andrew Curiel, honoring his visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and forward progress across campus.

The Excellence in Service Award was awarded to Sarah Sullivan, recognizing her unwavering dedication to supporting students and enhancing their academic and personal journeys through compassionate, student-centered service.

The prestigious CSJ Medal of Honor was awarded to Joe Henshaw (Staff) and Kellie Quesada (Faculty). This honor celebrates individuals who embody Avila鈥檚 core values through their actions, making a lasting and meaningful impact on the campus community.

Additional recognitions included:

• Professor Emerita: Karin Gastreich and Leah Gensheimer
• Professor of the Year: Kelsey Miles
• Steer Dinner Staff Auction Item Winner: Office of Admissions, Marketing and Communications

鈥淭hese individuals represent the very best of 海角直播,鈥� said university leadership. 鈥淭heir commitment to excellence, service to others, and dedication to our students continue to move our mission forward in powerful ways.鈥�

The awards ceremony served as a reminder of the people behind Avila鈥檚 success鈥攖hose who lead with purpose, serve with heart, and inspire the next generation.

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 didn鈥檛 realize that my bachelor鈥檚 degree from Brazil wouldn鈥檛 be fully recognized here and would be classified as an “associate degree.” I sent my transcripts, recommendation letters, and other application materials to several schools, but Avila stood out because they took the time to thoroughly review my case. It was a long five months filled with a lot of communication and back-and-forth exchanges to reach a final decision.

Avila not only took the time to evaluate my credentials but also guided me through the process, advising me on how many additional credits I鈥檇 need to complete in a bachelor鈥檚 program and how long it would take. That level of attention, and personalized support made me feel like Avila was truly willing to support me in achieving my academic goals. Today, I have my second diploma, I鈥檝e received a full-time job offer in the same industry I鈥檝e worked in for the last 10 years under my OPT program, and I鈥檓 willing to pursue my MBA degree as it has been my goal since the beginning.

What have you learned here so far?

So far, my time at Avila has taught me a lot in different areas.

In terms of education, one thing I never thought I鈥檇 do again was Algebra! It鈥檚 been over 12 years since I last studied it, and it felt scary to revisit something I thought I鈥檇 never need again. But I got through it and got an A! The course that helped me the most, though, was Composition. It made a huge difference in improving my English for both academic and professional purposes. I feel much more confident writing now, and I know that skill will stay with me.

I also learned a lot about myself in regards to relationships through my time at Avila.  I鈥檝e realized how good I am at adapting to different environments. My background has taught me that. I graduated at 20, moved to Italy two years later to finish my citizenship process and get my passport, and after a few months, I moved to Spain. I took a Spanish course, got a job offer, and stayed there for almost seven years. When my mom had health issues, I moved back to Brazil to help her, and during that time, I decided to apply to schools in the U.S. to pursue my MBA.

Coming to the U.S. has been one of the hardest transitions in my life. I left behind my career, my diploma, and 10 years of experience to become a full-time student again. It felt like taking a step back鈥攂eing in a bachelor鈥檚 program and not being able to work because of my visa. It鈥檚 been tough, and there were moments I felt stuck and hopeless. But this experience showed me how strong I really am. I鈥檝e also learned how important it is to create relationships with the right people. A few people at Avila supported me in ways I鈥檒l never forget, and thanks to them, I was able to navigate through the hard times and graduate. Their help reminded me that even in tough times, there鈥檚 always a way forward if you have the right support.

I鈥檝e realized living here in the U.S. is harder than I thought. For international students, the process is so complicated, long, and full of rules. If you鈥檙e not 100% sure about your goals, it can feel impossible to get through it. But once you do, things really do start to get better, and it鈥檚 worth it in the end. You just have to stay determined and have a little bit of luck.

This whole experience has been tough, but it鈥檚 also been rewarding. I鈥檝e grown a lot, learned so much about myself, and embraced the process of becoming a successful full-time student.

What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome those?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning specific courses, like History and Philosophy, in another language! It was tough at first, but I pushed myself to study extra and ask for help when I needed it. Managing my time was another challenge; balancing classes with a big load of assignments and short deadlines was overwhelming, but I learned to stay organized and focused. 

I also struggled with cultural differences in communication, like speaking up in class or working on group projects. It felt unfamiliar, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and adapted over time. Another challenge was making connections at school. I made very few friends because of the big age difference; I couldn鈥檛 really relate to most of my classmates, and as an early-enrolled international student, was often the only international student in each course I took. Thankfully, I had some friends already in the U.S., including in Kansas City, and their support helped me get this far.

What piece of advice would you give another student wanting to journey to the United States and to Avila?

My biggest piece of advice to any student wanting to come to the U.S. and to Avila is to do your research thoroughly before making the move. Look into everything鈥攆rom the visa process to how schools are managed, their rules, principles, the number of credits you鈥檒l need, and any specific requirements. Understanding these details will help you avoid surprises and prepare you for what鈥檚 ahead. 

Be prepared for challenges and stay determined. The process can feel overwhelming, especially as an international student with all the paperwork, adjustments, and cultural differences. But don鈥檛 give up鈥攊t鈥檚 worth it in the end!

Take time to build relationships. Whether it鈥檚 with professors, staff, or classmates, having a support system is so important. I didn鈥檛 connect with many classmates because of the age difference and being the only international student in most of my classes, but the staff and a few key people at Avila were incredibly helpful, and that made all the difference for me.   Also, plan ahead and stay organized. Balancing classes, assignments, and everything else can feel like a lot, but with good time management, it鈥檚 manageable. And if you have friends or family nearby, lean on them when things get tough鈥攖heir support can make a big difference. 

It鈥檚 a tough journey, but if you do your research, stay focused, push through the hard moments, and take advantage of the resources available, you鈥檒l come out with experiences you鈥檒l always value. As I always say, education is something that no one can ever take away from you.

Jade Alfieri Sobral is an Avila Alum, now working at Sobel Network Shipping, as a Nationwide Sales Manager. Jade began her employment in June 2024 under the CPT program as a part time sales representative, and upon graduation was accepted into the OPT program and earned a promotion!  

Jade was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and speaks 3 languages: Portuguese, Spanish and English. She has lived in Europe, Spain and Italy, for 6 years. She has 2 Bachelor’s degrees and has traveled to 18 countries, (and counting!) and loves the beach!

This week marked the beginning of Black History Month.  Each February since 1976 this annual observance is recognized February 1^st through March 1^st throughout the United States and is also recognized in Canada, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.   In the United States the observance is often referred to as African American History Month which had its genesis in 1926 created by Carter G. Woodson a noted African American historian, scholar, educator, publisher, and social reformer.  This month鈥檚 observances recognize the accomplishments of African Americans in business, medicine, sports, athletics, politics, religion, education, public service, the arts, entertainment, music, fashion, film, culinary, architecture, photography, scholarship, and advocacy among many other occupations.  Lest we be reminded of the many outstanding and notable African American who are members of the Avila community. 

This year I have been invited to exhibit in the Hallways of Dallavis from the over 2,500 (est.) pieces of African American memorabilia, literature, photographs, videos, and publications covering music, architecture, science, advertising, sports, film, politics, business, and just about every aspect of African American life that my wife and I have accumulated over the years.  I have been privileged to witness and live through the 鈥淲e Shall Overcome鈥�; 鈥淚 have a Dream鈥�; 鈥淣o Justice, No Peace鈥�; 鈥淏lack Power鈥�; 鈥淚鈥檓 Black & I鈥檓 Proud鈥�; the 鈥淪ilver Rights Movement鈥�, and the 鈥淏lack Lives Matter鈥� mantras.  And as such I join our local PBS station in championing the passing of the baton 鈥� what鈥檚 next on the horizon with all the uncertainty and discord we are currently facing? So, this is the underpinning of the theme of what is being shared throughout the Dallavis hallways. 

So, I have selectively curated a collection of books, films and other memorabilia that will be showcased throughout the month in the Dallavis hallways. Many of these are available for you to peruse or borrow.  But the real story exists not just in what is shown in our hallways but in what is not shown and remains in the many boxes stacked in my office and in my studio; and on the bookcases of many others including Avila鈥檚 Library.  It is utterly impossible to tell the full story in a few featured items over 28 days.  It is however my hope that these items shown will ignite a desire to know more, ask questions do your own research or even do more with some of the topics and fields presented. 鈥� let鈥檚 just say, it鈥檚 complicated!

Be well and enjoy the month and come see us in Dallavis!

Recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) have created significant challenges for students and their families. In the past year, many families faced unprecedented difficulties in completing the FAFSA due to delays and other changes in the application process. Just at Avila alone, those hurdles contributed to a 40% drop in FAFSA filers. This decline not only impacts enrollment numbers but also means that countless students who would otherwise pursue higher education run the risk of being left behind. While FAFSA is open for Beta 4 testing currently, any student can apply for the 2025-26 year. However, with all of the recent changes, paper filing is an option for those having trouble. For all of these reasons, Avila is working to make things easier when it comes to financial aid.

鈥淎ccess to college is the most critical factor in transforming not only a student’s financial future but also that of future generations in their family,鈥� said Jim Burkee, president of 海角直播. 鈥淥n average, individuals who earn a college degree can expect to make $1 to $2 million more over their lifetimes compared to those who do not attend college. This increased earning potential can create lasting benefits for their children and grandchildren, breaking cycles of financial hardship and opening doors to new opportunities. We are committed to changing this reality. Ensuring financial barriers do not prevent deserving students from achieving their educational goals is the first step.鈥�

罢丑颈蝉&苍产蝉辫;颈苍颈迟颈补迟颈惫别&苍产蝉辫;谤别蹿濒别肠迟蝉&苍产蝉辫;础惫颈濒补鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;尘颈蝉蝉颈辞苍&苍产蝉辫;迟辞&苍产蝉辫;辫谤辞惫颈诲别&苍产蝉辫;Education Without Limits and support students who may otherwise be unable to pursue their academic aspirations due to financial constraints. If a family is not eligible for the Access Award, Avila also offers a robust scholarship package, providing every first-year student up to $30,000 in scholarships. In fact, 98% of Avila students receive scholarships of some kind.

Families can determine eligibility for the Avila Access Award by referencing their tax returns. To qualify, simply look for the AGI on Form 1040, line 11.

鈥満＝侵辈� remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive academically and financially,鈥� said Burkee. 鈥淩educing the financial barriers to education is the first step, but Avila also aims to empower students once they are enrolled and provide a core framework for ongoing success. Every student who wants to go to college should have the opportunity to experience this kind of teaching and learning. This is what we mean when we talk about Education Without Limits.鈥�

One way Avila sets its students up to succeed is by going beyond the classroom and teaching the development of the whole person, another of the university鈥檚 core values. Students receive individual advising, with a team of faculty and staff ready to mentor and offer one-on-one guidance. This concierge approach begins atadmission but continues throughout the duration of the student鈥檚 time at Avila.

Media Contact:

Sara Kline

Associate Vice President,

Marketing Communications and Enrollment Operations C: 913.207.8683

O: 816.501.2422

E: sara.kline@avila.edu

Sept. 26, 2024 鈥� KANSAS CITY, Mo. 鈥� 海角直播鈥檚 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; honoring Avila alumna and longtime supporter Jean Buchanan and her family; and providing a new home to the Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence.

The updates to the newly renamed Jean Buchanan Hall (formerly Ridgway Hall) give Avila more than 40 additional beds of student housing for this Fall semester. University leadership continues to explore opportunities to further expand campus residential capacity in 2025 and beyond to accommodate recent growth.

Support for these renovations was funded by the Mabee Foundation, the Sunderland Foundation and many other generous supporters of the Avila community.

Thursday鈥檚 ribbon-cutting was a surprise announcement for Jean, who graduated from Avila in 1976 with a degree in Religious Studies and Education. More than 50 years later, in May 2018, Jean and Bill each were recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, the highest honor that can be bestowed by Avila, presented to individuals that have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to humanity, outstanding service to their community, outstanding contributions to education and those who embody the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

鈥淛ean is a champion of peace and justice. She believes peace must be in someone鈥檚 heart. And she believes you can teach someone 鈥� or show by example鈥攈ow to resolve conflicts without violence,鈥� said Avila President Jim Burkee, PhD.  鈥淲e are honored she is an Avila alumna and that she and Bill continue to share so much of their passion with this university and its students. We are proud to honor the Buchanans and their ongoing support as the namesake of the new Buchanan Hall.鈥�

New Home for Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence

In addition to providing Avila students with updated, expanded housing options on campus, Buchanan Hall is the new permanent home for the Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence. Founded in 2016 through the Buchanans鈥� $1 million donation, the Initiative engages Avila鈥檚 academic community and stakeholders throughout the region to apply methods for building positive sustainable relationships, work through harms and injustices, and elevate the voices of the marginalized

鈥淐onflict resolution can be taught,鈥� Jean said recently, 鈥渂ut the first step is for each person to have patience and understand that tolerance can inspire that. I always say, if you have to choose between being right or being kind, choose being kind. This very value is at the core of the Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence.鈥�

The Buchanan Initiative鈥檚 work is consistent with 海角直播鈥檚 recognition of the 鈥渨orth, dignity and potential of each human being鈥� and its mission to educate 鈥渓ifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.鈥�  The Buchanan Initiative brings students, academics, and activists together to raise a generation that has the nonviolent tools it needs to make peaceful social change possible.鈥�

鈥淭he Buchanans’ support for the Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence is world-changing in every sense of the word,鈥� said Leslie Dorrough Smith, Ph.D., Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor, Religious Studies/Women’s and Gender Studies at Avila. 鈥淣ot only does their generous philanthropy provide us with the means to teach and model the values of peace and non-violence with students while they are with us on campus, but those lessons plant an important seed that our students can carry with them their whole lives.鈥� 

Continuing Momentum at 海角直播

The Buchanan Hall ribbon-cutting was the most recent in a string of announcements and milestones at Avila in the last year:

• Avila鈥檚 spring 2024 semester topped the 2,000-student mark for the first time in 20 years and only the second time in the history of the university.

• The school kicked off the 2023-2024 school year by welcoming its largest-ever incoming freshman class and expects overall growth to continue this year.

• At the start of this fall semester, Avila 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 in an effort to address the nursing shortage in Missouri, Kansas and beyond.

• This year, Avila began offering students a three-year degree option in select programs as an accelerated educational pathway to beginning their career or begin pursuing graduate studies.

• Avila has been introducing new Graduate STEM certifications, specifically around AI, Digital Media and more curriculum for in-demand careers.

• Avila has introduced a new dual-credit program with five partnering school districts to allow high school juniors and seniors to obtain college credit in certain courses while completing their high school coursework. 

Media Contact:
Sara Kline

Associate Vice President, Marketing Communications and Enrollment Operations

E: Sara.Kline@avila.edu C: 913.207.8683  O: 816.501.2422

About 海角直播

海角直播, located in聽Kansas City, Mo, and serving students from across the world, believes in offering access to Education Without Limits and inviting students to define what that means to them personally as individuals and collectively across campus. Founded in聽1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Avila has been focused on the development of the whole person for more than a century, providing a liberal arts education rooted in values of service, diversity, excellence in teaching and learning. In 2023, Avila celebrated a historic milestone, welcoming its largest-ever incoming class of freshmen. The rapid growth is the most recent testament to the school鈥檚 focus on making degrees accessible through robust scholarship programs and financial aid. Thanks to decades of strategic planning and tireless teamwork by faculty and staff, Avila is now the educational home to students from 26 countries, studying an expanded curriculum that offers more than 54 majors. That鈥檚 the power of Education Without Limits.

海角直播 and NKCH/MH will use their combined resources and expertise to train aspiring nurses and strengthen the local healthcare workforce. This partnership will help address the nursing shortage in Missouri, Kansas, and beyond.

Through this partnership, prospective students will have access to these flexible, essential programs that empower students with the skills necessary to become nurses. Students who complete these nursing programs will be ready to join local healthcare systems and offer critical care to patients within the local communities.

鈥淥ur partnership with NKCH/MH will open the door for aspiring nurses in our community to begin their healthcare careers,鈥� said Dr. Jim Burkee, President, 海角直播. 鈥淭hese essential programs will allow us to work closely with local healthcare systems to ensure prospective nurses are receiving the knowledge necessary to best serve patients.鈥�

Missouri and Kansas are in the midst of a nursing crisis that has broader implications on the overall health of our communities. These shortages have adverse impacts when healthcare facilities are unable to meet the demand of patients, leading to potential errors or impacting the patient experience. This partnership will bring more qualified nurses to our local healthcare systems and help enhance our overall community health.

“Nurses are a critical part of our healthcare system and we are excited to partner with Avila to support the hands-on experience that will prepare aspiring nurses for their future healthcare careers,鈥� said Sarah Oakley, Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President, North Kansas City Hospital/Meritas Health. 鈥淭his partnership will help us do our part to lessen the impact of the nursing shortage and ensure our community has access to high-quality healthcare.鈥�

The first cycle of students can enroll as soon as Spring 2025. To learn more about Avila healthcare programs, or to enroll, .

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About 海角直播: 海角直播, located in Kansas City, Mo, and serving students from across the world, believes in offering access to Education Without Limits and inviting students to define what that means to them personally as individuals and collectively across campus. Founded in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Avila has been focused on the development of the whole person for more than a century, providing a liberal arts education rooted in values of service, diversity, excellence in teaching and learning. In 2023, Avila celebrated a historic milestone, welcoming its largest-ever incoming class of freshmen. The rapid growth is the most recent testament to the school鈥檚 focus on making degrees accessible through robust scholarship programs and financial aid. Thanks to decades of strategic planning and tireless teamwork by faculty and staff, Avila is now the educational home to students from 26 countries, studying an expanded curriculum that offers more than 54 majors. That鈥檚 the power of Education Without Limits.

About North Kansas City Hospital/Meritas Health:

For more than 65 years, North Kansas City Hospital has been the Northland’s preferred healthcare provider. Our mission is to provide hope and healing to every life we touch.

NKCH is an acute care facility with 451 licensed beds and  representing . From our award-winning  and  programs to our , , neuroscience, ,  and other services, we provide a lifetime of care.

Through our Meritas Health subsidiary, NKCH offers the largest network of physician practices in the Northland, with more than 235 primary and specialty care doctors and advanced practice providers in , including an  in the 64th Street Hy-Vee store.

Our accreditations demonstrate our commitment to providing quality healthcare, including:

• American Nurses Credentialing Center 
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services four-star rating
• The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval^庐 and certification for ,  and .