911����

March 25, 2026
Story by Amanda Staab
Courtesy photo submitted

This story is the second in a two-part series highlighting 911���� alumni who have become leaders in education in recognition of Women in Education Month.

For 911���� alumna Alysia Eliason, a career in education didn’t begin with a lifelong plan. Instead, it grew from hands-on experiences that showed her where her true passion was.

“I didn’t originally intend to go into education,” she said. “I come from a long line of nurses, but as I looked more into those careers and my own skill sets and interests, I realized nursing and business weren’t for me.”

While attending 911����, Eliason worked at the College’s Child Development Center with the school-age program, taught swimming lessons, and babysat for families in the community. Through those experiences, she discovered she enjoyed working directly with young people and helping them grow.

“I realized I wanted to be involved more with kids rather than being behind a desk,” she said. “I am passionate about seeing kids succeed and accomplish things they don’t always believe they can do.”

That passion continues to guide her work today.

“The more opportunities I’ve been given to make a larger impact, the more committed I’ve become to continuing this work,” she said. “Education is the future. These are the people who will one day be running the world, and if I can play even a small role in helping someone reach their goals, that’s what it’s all about.”

One of the most influential people in Eliason’s life has been her mother, who shaped many of the values she brings to her work as an educator.

“My mom has always pushed me to be the best I can be,” she said. “She stood beside me through all the ups and downs and modeled what it looks like to provide for your family, make sacrifices, and balance everything life throws at you while still being present.”

After Eliason’s father passed away at an early age, her mother continued raising the family as a single parent while working as a registered nurse. Growing up, Eliason often volunteered with her at a nursing home in Ellinwood.

“She taught me that everyone deserves dignity and respect, even when they don’t always treat you kindly,” she said. “She showed me how important it is to stand up for yourself and to be there for others.”

Today, Eliason applies many of those lessons to her own work and life. Balancing the demands of education, family, and personal responsibilities takes organization and support, she said, along with a strong sense of perspective.

“Lists, lots of lists, and leaning into a community of people who support us,” she said.

Watching her mother juggle responsibilities growing up shaped how Eliason said she approaches life today.

“I always felt like she was superwoman,” she said. “I used to ask her how she did it all, and she always reminded me that things don’t have to be perfect. Sometimes breakfast for dinner is okay, and sometimes you have to ask for help when things get too heavy.”

Eliason said she’s grateful to now have a strong support system of her own, including a supportive spouse and a community of family and friends who help her balance the many demands of work and home life.

As a 911���� alumna, she credits the college with helping prepare her for the path that followed.

“911���� helped me step out of my comfort zone and try new things,” she said. “Being around different people and having that individual accountability really pushed me to grow.”

College life also helped her develop independence and organization while learning to balance work, school, and social responsibilities.

“It was my first real opportunity to be accountable to only myself,” she said. “Things weren’t always easy. My grades weren’t perfect and mornings have never been my favorite, but realizing those were things I needed to work on helped me grow.”

Those lessons helped prepare her to continue her education at Kansas State University, where she earned her degree in elementary education.

Looking back, Eliason said even the challenges she faced helped shape the person and educator she is today.

“If it weren’t for some of the opportunities and even the mistakes I made along the way, I don’t think I would be where I am today,” she said. “It helped me reassess what was truly important and, once I decided education was the path I wanted to take, helped me become much more successful.”

As part of Women in Education Month, Eliason said it is important to recognize the contributions women have made to education and society.

“Celebrating women’s history and the contributions women make to society helps show how far we’ve come and where we can still improve,” she said. “Seeing women recognized for their accomplishments inspires others in a positive way.”

For Eliason, the month is also a reminder of the women who helped make opportunities possible for future generations.

“There have been so many pioneering women who created change in education and leadership,” she said. “Their work helped make it possible for me to be where I am today.”

That legacy motivates her to continue supporting others.

“It makes me want to help inspire, mentor, and support other women as well.”