John Miko was appointed Dean of the Shields School of Business in July, succeeding Randy Frye in this role.
Miko had previously served as Associate Dean of the SSOB.
“My primary goals are recruitment and retention,” Miko said. The longtime SFU faculty member said he hopes to bring more students into the University’s business school, while also making sure that current students have an experience that keeps them connected to Saint Francis after graduation.
Miko’s connection to the University dates back to his time as a student. He graduated from the University with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science and he described his experience as a student at SFU as “fantastic.”
During his undergraduate studies, Miko served as a resident assistant, competed on the University’s tennis team, made lifelong friends, and met his wife.
After graduating, Miko worked for 10 years as a vice president of information technology at M&T Bank before returning to SFU as a member of the faculty.
Since returning to the University, Miko has taught information systems and business analytics courses, while also holding multiple leadership positions. He served as chair of the business programs in addition to his role as associate dean.
“We have a great team and a wonderful legacy in the Shields School of Business,” Miko said. “I’m excited to lead it and to continue its strong legacy.”
Even with his new responsibilities, Miko said staying connected with students is important to him.
“I never want to get disconnected from our students and their experiences,” Miko said.
He plans to continue teaching, but with a lighter teaching load. He also plans to continue to actively seek student input, something that his predecessor, Randy Frye, made a hallmark of the SSOB.
For prospective students to Saint Francis – and current students who are thinking about switching their major to a business program – Miko said that the SSOB offers a wide variety of career paths.
“Business is still the most popular undergraduate major in higher education,” he said.
While some business careers are highly analytical, others are more creative. Miko said that this variety can sometimes make the major seem less straightforward, but “it also provides a lot of flexibility and opportunity.”
Miko said he is excited to launch several new programs, including a Supply Chain Management major, a Sports Administration co-major and an AI Literacy minor.
There are also experiential learning trips planned to the Cayman Islands next month, New York City this winter, and London in the spring.
SFU’s Mentorship Day – an event which Miko played an instrumental role in launching and organizing – is also on the horizon (Oct. 16). He said these types of experiences are part of the School’s effort to provide students with valuable learning and networking opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Miko said he wants students and faculty to know that he is willing to help. “I’m available,” he said.
He hopes to support the SSOB faculty by “removing barriers” and he wants students to feel comfortable talking with him.
“To be a small part of their journey, at a formative time, is really, really an honor.”
Off the job, Miko enjoys spending time with family and friends. He plays pickleball, rides his bike, plays some golf, and reads. He also said he spends time “surfing the internet” and is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
