President, Education ​/ Teaching

Overview

Avila University invites inquiries, applications, and nominations for the position of President. Avila is an independent Catholic institution of higher education founded in Kansas City, Missouri by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ). Today, Avila is a four-year university providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate, and graduate education that prepares students for full participation in society and successful professional careers.

Since its beginning, Avila University has prioritized serving first-generation and other under-served populations. Avila is a values-based community of learning, where social justice and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are at the foundation of the institution. Over the past three years, Avila University transformed from a financially challenged institution with declining enrollment into a rapidly growing, mission-driven university with expanded academic offerings, increased student numbers, upgraded facilities, new partnerships — and broader geographic reach.

The transformation has been marked by bold strategy, partnership-based execution, and a renewed institutional identity.

The University seeks a collaborative and visionary leader who can articulate a compelling vision and execute the steps required to bring it to life. The next President will be a mission-driven leader who will advance the University s culture of innovation, build on its heritage as a Catholic university inspired by the mission and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and strengthen a spirit of community among faculty, staff, and students.

The President will ensure that academic programs are of high quality, relevant in a rapidly evolving market, and academically challenging with strong student support. The successful candidate will possess strong financial acumen, including the ability to be a sound steward of existing resources, a creative leader in support of generating additional sources of income, and alignment of resources to achieve strategic outcomes.

Full information about the position, including the application process and salary range, can be found in the position profile located in the Open Searches section of the Academic Search website. The next President is expected to begin by July 1, 2026.

Academic Search is assisting Avila University in its search for President. Conversations are encouraged as our consultants want to get to know you and share information that might be helpful in discerning your interest and preparing application materials. If you are interested in the position, or making a nomination, please arrange a confidential discussion by contacting:
Senior Consultant Scott Flanagan or Consultant Disa Mason. This position is open until filled, but only applications received by March 15, 2026 can be assured full consideration. The application submission address is Avila President.

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.