Record enrollment for Avila University

Avila University in south Kansas City is celebrating the highest full-time undergraduate enrollment in its 96-year history.

The school has more than 965 students enrolled -- an 8 percent increase from last year.

The celebration coincides with the opening of Avila Hill, their newest student residence hall.

Avila's president credits three reasons for their success.

"One, its a pretty campus and it's getting prettier. It is an engaged faculty and staff who really get to know their students and really work with the students to be successful and it's a form of learning where we engage students in a lot of experiential learning," university president Ron Slepitza explained.

Last year, Avila students were involved in 206,000 hours of service learning and community service.

This year also marks the largest ever first-year class for the university.