McCuien Elected Alumni Board of Directors President
May 28, 2020
Webster University alumna Alexandria (Alex) McCuien ’11, MBA ’15, MS ’18 was unanimously elected to become the next president of the Alumni Board of Directors at the May 19 meeting. In her role as president, she will work to build community among our alumni worldwide, as well as support them in their personal and professional growth.
McCuien succeeds Vanessa Davis MA '04, DMGT '15, who served a two-year term as president.
Finding Webster: A place that 'felt right'
McCuien excelled in high school in her hometown of Alton, Illinois. So much so, she earned 30 college credits before she had decided where to go to college. This head start gave her the desire to find a school that offered not only a progressive and challenging computer science program, but also a place that “felt right.”
George Winston, the Webster Associate Director of Admissions at the time, and a member of McCuien’s church family, talked to her about Webster University. He was enthusiastic about Webster, so she checked it out. “Webster was the place that felt like home. I received ample financial support from Webster, which helped me make my final decision,” she says.
Immediately, McCuien felt at home on campus. “During my freshman seminars, faculty made me feel like I could talk to them any time," she said. "They helped create a great support system right from the start.”
During her sophomore year, McCuien was injured and required help until she recovered. Her family was too far away to help every day, so Suzanne Kehder, BS in Nursing 2012 and MS in Nursing 2015, who was working in Webster’s Health Services, visited McCuien’s apartment every day to help. “Webster focuses on students and their needs inside and outside of the classroom, which is rare,” McCuien said.
McCuien also excelled outside of classes. “There’s something for everybody. Anyone can find their niche. This gave me a great sense of belonging.” She became a Student Ambassador and actively assisted with numerous events.
In 2011, she achieved her goal of a BS in Computer Science, with minors in Mathematics and Web Design. Webster’s flexible day, night and online class schedules, plus multiple campus locations, made it possible for her to go on to earn her Decision Support Systems Certificate in 2013, MBA in 2015 and MS in Cybersecurity in 2018. She worked full time through much of her schooling, so flexible classes were essential.
Continuing to Give Back
As the current Vice President of the Webster Alumni Board, McCuien represents the voice of Webster alumni and encourages others to participate in making the school even better. “I volunteer at different events and let others know that service doesn’t have to stop after graduation,” McCuien said.
McCuien’s commitment to Webster University extends beyond her work on the Alumni Board. In 2017, she established the McCuien Family Scholarship to support other students like herself. “Supporting an annual scholarship allows me to provide an opportunity to a deserving student just as someone did for me. I am a true believer of giving back to my community.”