MIHALYO

WHEELING — Msgr. Kevin M. Quirk, chairman of Wheeling Jesuit University’s board of trustees, announced Wednesday that Michael P. Mihalyo Jr. has been elected as the 12th president of the university, effective Aug. 15.

Mihalyo, who was elected by WJU’s board of trustees, replaces Debra Townsley, who stepped down recently after having served as interim president since February 2017.

“I am honored to be invited to serve as president of Wheeling Jesuit University,” said Mihalyo. “It is well known the university has a strong tradition of academic excellence, leadership and service that permeates throughout the university in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition.

“Throughout my own career in higher education, I have worked primarily at or on behalf of private, faith-based institutions in the Appalachian region, all with similar focus,” he said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to return home to use my skills and affiliations to enhance the learning environment and to lead the dynamic team that will bring to fruition many exciting initiatives at WJU.”

Mihalyo, who is originally from Mingo Junction, has more than two decades of experience in higher education.

Currently, he is provost and vice president of academic affairs at Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois, where he has served since the summer of 2017.

Prior to his time at Rockford, he served as president of the Appalachian College Association in Kentucky. In addition, he served as president, chancellor and provost at Davis & Elkins College and as vice president for academic affairs and as a faculty member at Bethany College.

“When it came time to identify a new president, the board of trustees sought a committed Catholic with successful experience in the administration of small, private academic institutions who would be willing to continue the strategy of realignment, renewal and reinvestment in order to bolster enrollment, build on important partnerships, and ensure a vibrant future,” said Quirk.

“We also wanted an individual who would make a commitment to Wheeling Jesuit and to the region to be a vital part of campus and community life,” he said. “I am confident that we have found that person in Dr. Michael Mihalyo.”

According to Quirk, Wheeling Jesuit’s board of Trustees approved the strategy for the future of Jesuit, Catholic higher education in West Virginia in May 2017.

“This new strategy was made possible through the commitment of (the) Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, the important leadership of Dr. Townsley and the continuing commitment of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) to serve at Wheeling Jesuit University,” he said.

The new president also has drawn praise from the Jesuit community at WJU.

The Rev. James R. Conroy, S.J., rector of the Jesuit community and member of the presidential search committee, said, “Dr. Mihalyo’s connection to the region, his strong Catholic faith and his valuable experiences at other similar institutions that recently faced similar challenges to WJU allowed him to rise above the rest of the candidates reviewed by the search committee.”

“A tremendous amount has been accomplished at Wheeling Jesuit during the past 18 months,” said Bransfield. “Now the university prepares to welcome a wonderful new class of students, thanks to the important work done by the enrollment team.”

The bishop added, “I am grateful to know that I am also able to welcome Dr. Mihalyo as the university’s new president. I look forward to seeing him build on the strong foundation Dr. Townsley and the board of trustees have laid this year, so that Wheeling Jesuit University continues its mission of forming the human mind and heart of its students for service to others and success in their personal, professional and family life.”

Mihalyo, son of Michael Mihalyo Sr. and the late Marianne Brody Mihalyo, also is an accomplished musician, with an active career in chamber and church music. Among the highlights of his music ministry career, he conducted a series of services and concerts in Italy, including Vatican City, Rome and the surrounding area, with the St. Peter Festival Choir of Pittsburgh.

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from West Virginia University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Duquesne University, each in piano performance.

Along with his own connections to the region, Mihalyo has strong familial ties to WJU. His sister, Kimberly Mihalyo Abdalah, is a member of the Class of 1995 and her husband, Dr. Marvin Abdalah, is a member of the Class of 1994; both also are members of the WJU Athletic Hall of Fame. Mihalyo’s niece, Molly Metcalf, is a member of the Class of 2017.