Avila University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Avila University has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, academic governance, brand communications, and institutional leadership.

Rooted in a commitment to accessible education, Avila University fosters academic excellence through individualized instruction and community service, ensuring students achieve success across diverse undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Leadership Roles at Avila University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Bookmeyer
  • Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating - Ellen Martin
  • President - Md Oshama
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Karen Baum
  • Paul Bookmeyer - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Bookmeyer, the Chief Financial Officer at Avila University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Bookmeyer directs all budgetary planning, resource allocation, and financial reporting processes to support the university's mission of providing accessible education. By overseeing the endowment and operational funding, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the availability of necessary resources for over 60 degree programs. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency while optimizing tuition revenue models. Paul Bookmeyer also monitors regional economic trends to safeguard the university's competitive position within the Missouri private college landscape. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of online and on-campus learning initiatives. Ultimately, Bookmeyer secures the capital required to maintain the favorable student-to-faculty ratio that defines the Avila experience.

    Ellen Martin - Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating

    Ellen Martin, the Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating at Avila University, governs the structural integrity of academic leadership and institutional policy. Martin directs the search processes for critical administrative roles, ensuring alignment with the university's Catholic identity and educational standards. As the Chair of Academic committees, the Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating oversees the development of curriculum frameworks that support diverse student populations. This role involves coordinating with faculty to maintain high instructional quality across both online and physical classrooms. Ellen Martin also manages the nominating procedures for board appointments, strengthening the governance foundation of the institution. By facilitating communication between academic departments and the administration, the Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating ensures consistent adherence to the university's mission of providing education without limits.

    Md Oshama - President

    Md Oshama, the President at Avila University, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire institution. Oshama directs the implementation of the university's mission, ensuring that all academic and operational functions remain focused on student success and community service. As the primary representative of the university, the President engages with stakeholders to advance the institution's standing as a premier private college in Missouri. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and executive team to scale degree programs and enhance the quality of both online and on-campus instruction. Md Oshama also oversees the long-term development of the campus infrastructure and the expansion of global outreach efforts. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and academic rigor, the President ensures the university meets the evolving needs of a diverse student population. Ultimately, Oshama drives the institutional commitment to providing accessible education without limits.

    Karen Baum - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Karen Baum, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Avila University, architects the brand strategy and public outreach initiatives that define the institution's market presence. Baum directs all digital and traditional marketing campaigns to attract a diverse student body, including international applicants. By overseeing the university's messaging, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer highlights the value of the institution's 60-plus degree programs and its reputation as a top private college in Missouri. This leadership role involves managing external relations and internal communications to ensure consistent brand alignment across all platforms. Karen Baum also analyzes enrollment data to refine recruitment strategies, directly impacting the university's growth objectives. Through strategic storytelling and community engagement, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer elevates the profile of the university's online education offerings. Ultimately, Baum drives awareness of the supportive, individualized learning environment that characterizes the Avila experience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Avila University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Avila University?
    Avila University is led by Paul Bookmeyer (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ellen Martin (Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating) and Md Oshama (President).
    Who is part of Avila University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Avila University includes leaders such as Paul Bookmeyer (Chief Financial Officer), Ellen Martin (Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating), Md Oshama (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Avila University have?
    Avila University has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Avila University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Avila University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating, President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.