For Newman alumna Alana McWilliams ’08, everything begins with faith and family.
A devoted mother of three and a tireless advocate for early literacy, McWilliams draws strength and purpose from her Catholic upbringing and the belief that God places us where we are needed most.
It was those very values that prompted her nomination and ultimate selection for the St. Maria De Mattias Award, one of Newman University’s highest alumni honors. The award recognizes graduates who exemplify loyalty to Newman and live out its mission in extraordinary ways. McWilliams accepted the award during the 2025 Legacy Banquet held on campus in April.
“I’m deeply passionate about my children, their education and the transformative impact of early literacy on every aspect of life,” McWilliams said. “This award came at such a remarkable moment for me.”
It was during her time working with the Hutchinson Correctional Facility that she first encountered a heartbreaking truth: 80% of maximum-security inmates have a reading-based disability, and two-thirds of students who don’t read proficiently by fourth grade are at risk of incarceration or welfare dependency.
“I know my daughter will not be part of those statistics,” she said. “But I believe God placed me to see the scope of this issue and speak for those who don’t have a mom fighting for them.”
Literacy for all
After stepping back from a formal role in faith and business, McWilliams co-founded Designed to Learn, an organization that provides affordable, specialized literacy training for teachers and equips parents to support children with dyslexia and learning differences.
“Our mission is to level the playing field,” she said. “Dyslexia affects one in five students, and current solutions are often out of reach for many families.”
In the short term, McWilliams is focused on helping her daughter reach grade-level proficiency. In the long term, she’s working on developing a “literacy assistant” app to make high-quality, evidence-based instruction available to educators and homeschool families nationwide.
Leading through service
McWilliams embodies the spirit of stewardship in every area of life. She’s a creative force and volunteer behind fundraising campaigns at St. Andrew’s Catholic School, contributing graphic design, marketing and web development talents to drive record-breaking charity auctions year after year.
She also serves on the board for at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Spiritual Life Center, a sacred space built by inmate labor and funded by Kansas donors. Through this ministry, McWilliams witnesses transformation firsthand.
“I’ve seen rival gang members from Wichita — who once pointed guns at each other — baptizing one another. That’s the Gospel in action,” she said.
The Newman impact
McWilliams credits much of her personal and professional growth to the relationships and mentorships she found at Newman University.
“Attending Newman was truly a God moment for me. I was in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the right people — proof that His timing is perfect,” she said.
She fondly remembers conversations with the Rev. Joseph Gile, her classes with the late professor Randall Austin, and the guidance of Professor Emeritus Cheryl Golden, whom she describes as a “mentor, advocate, strong female and friend wrapped into one fierce, joyful package.”
Former professor Mike Smith also played a pivotal role, teaching McWilliams how to write and encouraging her to apply for an internship with the White House Speech Writing Office, which she secured. That opportunity launched her into professional communications, furthering her mission to tell stories that change lives.
“He taught me how to organize the thoughts in my head,” she said. “You can’t make an impact without being able to communicate.”
As a Newman student, McWilliams joined the cross-country team, edited the “Ramblings and Relics” history journal, participated in travel-based coursework and spent late nights preparing The Vantage for print. Like Belsan, McNeil Hall became McWilliam’s home base.
“The people are what make the school exceptional,” McWilliams said.
A life of influence, led by example
Today, McWilliams continues to shape her community through education, storytelling and service. Whether she’s designing books for fellow moms, mentoring others in faith, or developing tools to empower struggling readers, her work is always deeply personal.
She credits recent influence to Dannae Houser, the tutor who helped her daughter finally break through in reading and who now inspires her work in literacy reform.
“She has become a trusted mentor, friend and encourager, inspiring me to work toward meaningful change in the current education system,” McWilliams said.
For those who know her, McWilliams is someone who sees talent in others and helps bring it to life.
As her friend and nominator Stacy Halbach shared, “God used Alana to love and help others so well. She’s an incredible person.”
A lasting legacy
There’s a quote hanging in McWilliams’ home that reads, “Be who you needed when you were younger.”
Through every project, every prayer and every lesson she teaches or learns, that’s exactly what she strives to do.
“I’m so grateful for God’s blessings,” McWilliams said.
Newman Alumni Relations
Banded by thousands of Newman graduates, Alumni Relations is active in the continued success and spiritual wellness of all alumni.
