KC Reporter

Avila University today announced the appointment of Tonya Mourning, MBA, as the institution’s Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Mourning will oversee all aspects of the financial life of the university, providing management and direction for Avila’s financial activities. She will start on March 27, 2023.

Mourning brings over 18 years of financial leadership in nonprofit and corporate environments. Before joining Avila, Mourning served as the chief financial officer at a Kansas City-based minority business enterprise serving a national clientele in the document management space.

“We couldn’t be happier welcoming Tonya back home to Avila,” said Avila President Jim Burkee, Ph.D. “Her financial acumen is impeccable, and as a three-time Avila alumna, Tonya is uniquely prepared to guide her alma mater and inspire our students.”

Mourning grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in business from Avila University in 2002. “As a single mom of two, I quickly learned how every action and word influenced my children,” said Mourning. “I knew I needed to demonstrate to them the benefits of integrity, a good work ethic, grit, and perseverance.” With the encouragement of her academic advisor, Wendy Acker, Ph.D., chair of Avila’s school of business, Mourning continued her education, earning two MBAs from Avila in Finance and Accounting.

“This is a full circle moment for me,” Mourning said. “My time at Avila was such a pivotal period in my life. The invisible ceilings that I felt were limiting me, were removed, and anything was possible.”

“I am honored and elated to return to Avila as CFO,” Mourning said. “With the limited number of women leaders in the workforce, it’s a blessing to have the opportunity to support a mission dear to my heart and to contribute my talents and provide an example of what’s possible  to the success of young women everywhere.”

Original source can be found here.