Shawn Summe has more than 15 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration. His career has been highlighted by strong growth and transformation of campus cultures at small colleges in Florida, Virgina , St. Louis , and now Kansas City.
At Avila, Shawn oversees the athletic department which includes a wide range of sports - the newest being flag football for women. His responsibilities are wide ranging:managing facilities, supervising coaching staffs,fundraising, administrative details and budget planning.
It has been amazing to watch how one person can change the culture of an entire institution.. Avila has a new energy and excitement level that has been non-existent. Shawn has transformed the athletic environment by simply engaging with the coaches, student athletes , students and administration. His kindness and concern for all involved with Avila has been transforming.
The newest challenge for Shawn and Avila is student safety in the world of COVID. The NAIA and member institutions are trying to ensure the safety of: all the athletes, students and their friends and family. Mr. Summe is leading the charge to give the athletes the opportunity to go out on a high note, playing the sport they love, while helping to build Avila programs for sustained success.
Prior to his move into administration , Shawn was a successful baseball coach and has even served as an admissions counselor. Two of his baseball players were even selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
A lifelong proponent of the NAIA model, Shawn also promotes the athletic efforts at Avila, by serving on some of the NAIA executive committees.
The NAIA is an intercollegiate athletic association, based in Kansas City that provides members the tools and the opportunities to support their institutional strategic priorities. The broad focus of the NAIA is intent on developing student-athletes to their fullest potential while helping members meet goals of :enrollment,student success, and financial help.
Avila University, a Catholic University was founded and inspired by the Sisters of Carondelter over 100 years ago. The Kansas City location has over 1600 students while offering more than 60 undergraduate majors and six graduate programs.
FROM TWITTER:
A value based liberal arts education at Avila intends to prepare students for responsible lifelong contributions to the global community.
