When Alaina Garrett ’14 was an undergraduate student at Newman University, her worldview expanded with every history seminar, Honors Program debate and study abroad experiences.
Today, she puts those skills to use with her work in the Office of the Secretary of War in Washington, D.C., where she helps shape national security decisions for the U.S.
In recognition of her outstanding career and commitment to the common good, Garrett received the 2026 Leon A. McNeill Achievement Award at Newman’s Legacy Awards Banquet. The award honors Newman graduates who are successful in their professions and demonstrate a deep dedication to transforming society for the better.
On her graduation day, Garrett received the 2014 Ablah Award, the most prestigious undergraduate award Newman can bestow. Now that 12 years have passed since she crossed the commencement stage, Garrett said being chosen for the McNeill Award was an unexpected honor.
“It was a complete surprise,” Garrett said. “There are so many great alumni from Newman, and I was shocked and pleased to be selected.”
A foundation built on campus
Garrett is a Wichita native who grew up near campus and often attended Sunday evening Masses in St. John’s Chapel. She decided Newman University was the best fit for her college journey after receiving the Cardinal Newman full-tuition scholarship.
“I wanted to stay local and choose the most affordable option,” she said. “I was lucky enough to get the Cardinal Newman scholarship, and I’m so glad it worked out how it did.”
During her four years at Newman, Garrett lived in residence halls across campus and fully immersed herself in campus life. She worked as an academic tutor and at the IT help desk, joined student clubs, participated in service trips and traveled overseas for the first time through the Europe by Rail program and a semester abroad in Shanghai, China.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in history with minors in political science and international relations. She also built lasting mentorships with Professor of History and Director of the Honors Program Kelly McFall, Ph.D., and former Professor of History Cheryl Golden, Ph.D.
“There were so many people who influenced and helped me during my time at Newman,” Garrett said. “I took a class from Dr. McFall almost every semester, from Reacting to the Past role-play classes to ‘read a book a week’ seminars. These were always engaging and challenging. They prepared me well for graduate school and in my job.”
Garrett immediately went on to earn a master’s degree in international affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
“I maintain that my education at Newman University prepared me for graduate school, my career and my life in a way that I believe few universities are able to do,” Garrett said. “When I started my master’s program at Texas A&M, I was surprised to realize how well-prepared I was. The classes I took at Newman prepared me to thrive in the seminar-style graduate classes driven by student engagement and conversation.”
Answering the call to national service
Following graduate school, Garrett was selected for the Presidential Management Fellows program, a prestigious federal leadership initiative that places high-caliber candidates into government service. She went on to work for the U.S. Air Force in Los Angeles and even earned the Lisa S. Disbrow Civilian of the Year Award in 2020 before transitioning to defense policy work in Washington, D.C.
Today, Garrett serves as a civil servant with the Department of War, working on complex international defense policy issues alongside global allies and partners. Her work has included five years focusing on security issues related to Ukraine.
“I’m really proud of the work I — and my team — did to support Ukraine early in Russia’s invasion,” Garrett said. “We helped make a real difference and saved a lot of lives.”
She added that her daily motivation comes from the shared mission of keeping the nation safe.
“I really appreciate that my job is helping keep America safe by working with our allies and partners to address security concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions,” Garrett said. “I find this work really fulfilling. I really enjoy feeling like I am contributing to national security … helping leadership make the most informed decision.”
Rising to the occasion
Garrett credits her father, who served in the military for most of her life, with instilling a deep sense of duty and commitment that continues to shape her professional life.
“The more the pressure increases, the more I feel the need to rise to the occasion to help our own citizens, whether it’s broader safety or soldiers, making sure they have what they need to be successful,” Garrett said.
Beyond policy work, Garrett is passionate about fostering a healthy workplace culture and mentoring the next generation.
“For the past several years, I’ve led teams of around 10 people,” Garrett said. “I’ve benefited from great mentors throughout my life — from professors at Newman and in my graduate school to more senior colleagues at work — and think it’s critical to pay those investments back.”
Whether she is mentoring team members, staying connected with family as a proud aunt of eight nieces or pursuing hobbies like figure skating and reading, Garrett continues to carry forward the values formed during her years at Newman.
“While Newman University may be changing, I continue to tell people about the valuable education I received and how it prepared me to succeed,” Garrett said.
Nominate an alum for our 2027 Distinguished Alumni Awards
The annual Alumni Awards honor alumni who make a difference in their communities and live out the university’s mission of transforming society. The deadline for the 2027 nominations is Sept. 30, 2026.
