Throughout his time as president of John Carroll University, Alan Miciak has remained focused on student success and growing the university. Since he was named JCU’s 26th president, and only its second lay president, on June 1, 2021, he is most proud of his work in developing the College of Health to help students grow as health professionals.
“I would say the most important thing we’ve done is the College of Health. Establishing our Bachelor’s of Science and nursing program and then turning that into the College of Health,” Miciak stated.
“There’s something about John Carroll,” Miciak said. “It’s a special place.” Retiring after the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, Miciak reflects on 11 years spent at the university and how it shaped him as an educator and as a person.
Miciak has faced challenges but has had strong support from faculty and staff. “We have a lot of very committed faculty and staff, so there is always a lot of help,” he said. “Being able to rely on people who are experts and available and willing to assist… that’s been a big benefit for me personally.” He is also very grateful for the Jesuit education he has received through his work during his time as dean of the Boler College of Business and as president.
“I really have changed my way of proceeding based on my formation, opportunities and not only the Catholic intellectual tradition but also in the Ignatian values and approach to educating,” Miciak explained. When he makes decisions for the betterment of JCU, he uses Ignatian indifference. “I will set aside my personal opinions, my bias, eliminate stereotypes and I will look at the alternatives independently” and he wants to reach a point where he could accept all of the options, but it is about choosing the best one for students, Miciak said.
Many professors who have worked with Miciak agreed that student prosperity was always a top priority for him. Melissa Cole, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health, said, “What stands out most to me is his student-centered approach. He consistently challenges us to think about how our decisions and investments directly support student success, both in and beyond the classroom. That perspective has been important in advancing initiatives within the College of Health and across the university.”
Brent Brossman, Ph.D., chair of the Tim Russert Department of Communication, believed that this approach was critical to Miciak’s success as a leader. “Dr. Miciak realized that the only way to survive long term is to make JCU more attractive to students,” he said. “The fact that we are growing again when so many others are struggling is a testament to that vision.”
Joanna Garcia, Ph.D., associate dean of the Boler College of Business, praised Miciak’s ability to act under pressure. “Like any good leader, he had to make some difficult decisions and they weren’t always popular,” she said. “But I really think he was exactly who we needed at this point in our story.”
Once Miciak’s time at John Carroll comes to a close, he will be remembered for his student-centered approach to leadership as well as his contributions to the history of the university through the College of Health. He isn’t leaving forever, as he shared plans to return and “get my dose of John Carroll.” Miciak assured, “I’m not dying, I’m just retiring.”
