John Michalenko Returns to St. Thomas University as Senior Advisor and Launches Exciting New Bowling Program
St. Thomas University (STU) in Miami has seen significant growth over the past several years, and one of the latest additions to its student engagement efforts is a fresh and exciting initiative: a competitive bowling program. The driving force behind this new endeavor is none other than John Michalenko, a seasoned higher education student affairs professional with over 35 years of experience. This isn’t Michalenko’s first effort when it comes to bowling programs—he has a long history of creating and building successful bowling teams. Now, he’s back at STU as a senior advisor to the administration. A key responsibility is to help the university bring its vision of a premier bowling team to life.
A Pittsburgh native, Michalenko spent 26 years at Robert Morris University, where he shaped the student life division as Vice President of Student Affairs. After retiring in 2022, he joined the Registry, an organization that helps universities with executive staffing needs. In early 2023, he was appointed as interim Vice President of Student Affairs at STU. His contract was for 15 months, but he returned in February 2025 for an even more unique opportunity: to help build a state-of-the-art bowling center on campus and launch men’s and women’s bowling teams.
A Familiar Face with a New Challenge
For Michalenko, returning to STU feels like coming home. Having served in an interim capacity in 2023, he’s already familiar with the people and the culture of the university, which makes this return all the more seamless. But what makes this role especially exciting is the addition of the bowling program, something that brings together his professional background with his personal passion for the sport.
“I’ve been involved with bowling programs for decades, from starting one at Carnegie Mellon University 40 years ago to growing the program at Robert Morris University,” Michalenko shares. “I had the chance to build the RMU program from just a handful of bowlers to a thriving team, and now I’m bringing that experience to St. Thomas. It’s a perfect fit.”
Building a Bowling Program from the Ground Up
The bowling lanes at STU are still in the early stages of construction, but the vision for a top-tier facility is well underway. Partnering with QubicaAMF, a leading bowling equipment provider, Michalenko is consulting on every step, from design to installation. He’s also reaching out to high school bowlers and local communities to attract talented athletes for the newly formed men’s and women’s teams.
“I’m working with a lot of different groups to make sure the bowling center is exactly what the students need. We want a great ambiance, a place that not only serves our competitive teams but also becomes a central gathering spot for all students,” he explains. “The lanes will be open for students to enjoy recreational bowling for free, and we’re setting up a snack bar to create an inviting environment.”
The university’s new facility is expected to open in time for the 2025-2026 academic year. With initial conversations already happening with prospective student-athletes, Michalenko is hopeful that the teams will be ready to compete in regional and national tournaments soon after the program gets off the ground.
Michalenko’s expertise in student affairs and athletics gives him a unique advantage in the bowling program’s development. One of his key goals is to create a robust, competitive team that could eventually earn national rankings. “I want to lay the foundation for success,” Michalenko notes. “It takes time to build a program, but if I can leave behind a solid team that’s competitive at regional and national levels, I’ll consider that a success.”
A Strategic Vision for Success
The university hopes to grow the program into a full-fledged NAIA program. There are more than 180 men’s and women’s college bowling programs in the U.S., and the potential for STU to stand out among them is strong.
Impacting Student Life Beyond the Lanes
While the main focus is on the competitive teams, Michalenko sees the bowling center as an integral part of STU’s broader student engagement strategy. The bowling center will not only provide a space for the teams to practice but also for students to gather socially and enjoy recreational activities.
“It’s not just about bowling. It’s about creating opportunities for students to connect, to be part of something exciting and new,” says Michalenko. “Whether you’re on the team or just bowling for fun, the new center will be a place where students can bond, relax, and engage with one another outside of the classroom.” Additionally, the presence of the bowling program is expected to attract prospective students, adding to STU’s growing reputation.
The Road Ahead
Michalenko’s tenure at STU may be temporary, but the impact of his work is expected to be long-lasting. His goal is to build a sustainable, competitive bowling program that will continue to thrive long after his time at the university. “I want to leave behind a legacy of growth—a bowling center, a solid competitive team, and a positive student experience.”
If you would like additional information about John’s efforts with this bowling program, please feel free to contact John at Jamichalenko1@gmail.com
John Michalenko Returns to St. Thomas University as Senior Advisor and Launches Exciting New Bowling Program
St. Thomas University (STU) in Miami has seen significant growth over the past several years, and one of the latest additions to its student engagement efforts is a fresh and exciting initiative: a competitive bowling program. The driving force behind this new endeavor is none other than John Michalenko, a seasoned higher education student affairs professional with over 35 years of experience. This isn’t Michalenko’s first effort when it comes to bowling programs—he has a long history of creating and building successful bowling teams. Now, he’s back at STU as a senior advisor to the administration. A key responsibility is to help the university bring its vision of a premier bowling team to life.
A Pittsburgh native, Michalenko spent 26 years at Robert Morris University, where he shaped the student life division as Vice President of Student Affairs. After retiring in 2022, he joined the Registry, an organization that helps universities with executive staffing needs. In early 2023, he was appointed as interim Vice President of Student Affairs at STU. His contract was for 15 months, but he returned in February 2025 for an even more unique opportunity: to help build a state-of-the-art bowling center on campus and launch men’s and women’s bowling teams.
A Familiar Face with a New Challenge
For Michalenko, returning to STU feels like coming home. Having served in an interim capacity in 2023, he’s already familiar with the people and the culture of the university, which makes this return all the more seamless. But what makes this role especially exciting is the addition of the bowling program, something that brings together his professional background with his personal passion for the sport.
“I’ve been involved with bowling programs for decades, from starting one at Carnegie Mellon University 40 years ago to growing the program at Robert Morris University,” Michalenko shares. “I had the chance to build the RMU program from just a handful of bowlers to a thriving team, and now I’m bringing that experience to St. Thomas. It’s a perfect fit.”
Building a Bowling Program from the Ground Up
The bowling lanes at STU are still in the early stages of construction, but the vision for a top-tier facility is well underway. Partnering with QubicaAMF, a leading bowling equipment provider, Michalenko is consulting on every step, from design to installation. He’s also reaching out to high school bowlers and local communities to attract talented athletes for the newly formed men’s and women’s teams.
“I’m working with a lot of different groups to make sure the bowling center is exactly what the students need. We want a great ambiance, a place that not only serves our competitive teams but also becomes a central gathering spot for all students,” he explains. “The lanes will be open for students to enjoy recreational bowling for free, and we’re setting up a snack bar to create an inviting environment.”
The university’s new facility is expected to open in time for the 2025-2026 academic year. With initial conversations already happening with prospective student-athletes, Michalenko is hopeful that the teams will be ready to compete in regional and national tournaments soon after the program gets off the ground.
Michalenko’s expertise in student affairs and athletics gives him a unique advantage in the bowling program’s development. One of his key goals is to create a robust, competitive team that could eventually earn national rankings. “I want to lay the foundation for success,” Michalenko notes. “It takes time to build a program, but if I can leave behind a solid team that’s competitive at regional and national levels, I’ll consider that a success.”
A Strategic Vision for Success
The university hopes to grow the program into a full-fledged NAIA program. There are more than 180 men’s and women’s college bowling programs in the U.S., and the potential for STU to stand out among them is strong.
Impacting Student Life Beyond the Lanes
While the main focus is on the competitive teams, Michalenko sees the bowling center as an integral part of STU’s broader student engagement strategy. The bowling center will not only provide a space for the teams to practice but also for students to gather socially and enjoy recreational activities.
“It’s not just about bowling. It’s about creating opportunities for students to connect, to be part of something exciting and new,” says Michalenko. “Whether you’re on the team or just bowling for fun, the new center will be a place where students can bond, relax, and engage with one another outside of the classroom.” Additionally, the presence of the bowling program is expected to attract prospective students, adding to STU’s growing reputation.
The Road Ahead
Michalenko’s tenure at STU may be temporary, but the impact of his work is expected to be long-lasting. His goal is to build a sustainable, competitive bowling program that will continue to thrive long after his time at the university. “I want to leave behind a legacy of growth—a bowling center, a solid competitive team, and a positive student experience.”
If you would like additional information about John’s efforts with this bowling program, please feel free to contact John at Jamichalenko1@gmail.com
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