From the boardroom to the classroom: Alana Wilson, Business & Practical Arts Department
Growing up in Hanover, Indiana, Alana Wilson initially pursued a career in business. She attended Indiana University Southeast and earned a bachelor of science with a concentration in business and finance. She spent several years working in various capacities in the business field, with roles in personal finance, investing, banking, and lending. As her career progressed, she transitioned into inventory analytics and spent five years working for a chemical company. However, it was after the birth of her second son that Wilson decided it was time to make a shift. She chose to utilize her business background and couple it with a career in teaching.
“I switched to teaching because I was probably a little bit jealous of what my husband did,” Wilson admitted with a smile.
Wilson attended Taylor University to earn her transition to teaching, secondary education, and teaching degrees. She was ready to transition from the boardroom to the classroom. 
Wilson began her teaching career at Madison Consolidated High School, where she taught English. she also served as the tennis coach at the school.
After the birth of her third son, the Wilson family decided to make the move to Bloomington in search of new opportunities.
“We evaluated probably 10 different schools when we decided we wanted to move. We were looking for someplace that we could stay [long-term] that would have a different culture for our three boys,” Wilson said.
“When I interviewed, the one question I asked every time was about the student culture because I came from an environment where kids weren’t pushed and they didn’t have big pursuits…I’m so impressed by the students here…Honestly, this has been a dream teaching job for me.”
Now teaching business at South, Wilson particularly admires how her curriculum directly connects to real-world skills.
“You know, reading The Odyssey in English, it’s [a great reference], but it’s not [something] you’re going to use all the time. Whereas, we’re writing resumes, reference letters, cover letters, and building portfolio[s],” Wilson said.
A passion for coaching and teaching: Leroy Wilson, Mathematics Department
Raised in Clarksville, Indiana, Leroy Wilson has always been passionate about sports. As he began his career, he pursued coaching over teaching. Beginning immediately out of high school Wilson started coaching football, a pursuit in which he has excelled at for over 20 years.
“Teaching wasn’t really a first thought for me, but coaching was,” Wilson said. “I had some mentors that kind of helped guide me towards teaching, and I’ve always had a love for education, for knowledge, and so I went back to school and got my teaching degree,” Wilson said.
Before moving to Bloomington, Wilson taught mathematics and coached football at Madison Consolidated High School. His wife, Alana, also taught in Madison with him.
“I love it here [at South],” Wilson said. “It was a huge draw for my wife and my family.”
Even though the relocation to Bloomington has placed the Wilson family two hours away from their relatives, who reside in Clarksville and Madison respectively, the couple is excited about the opportunities that being here offers their family.
“It’s a good distance, but again, it was for the betterment of our boys,” Wilson said.
Also joining the mathematics department is physics graduate student at Indiana University Bloomington, Kevin Quirion. Quirion was not available for an interview at the time of publication. The Optimist is excited to welcome all of the new Panthers on the block to Bloomington South!
