Justin Michalka

Celebrating our Liberal Arts Family: Justin Michalka on development, resiliency, and the power of a Liberal Arts degree

By Jacqueline Magno | Social Media Intern

May 18, 2021

Like many undergraduates, Justin Michalka had no idea what development was when he entered college in 1997. A first-generation college student and English major at Texas A&M University, Michalka initially sought a career as a high school teacher and football coach. Little did he know that life had different plans for him.

Now, Michalka serves as the Executive Director of Development for The College of Liberal Arts, where he collaborates with alumni and donors to help advance and improve the educational experience of students and faculty on The Forty Acres.

“I regularly partner with Liberal Arts alumni and friends, and I work with them to make philanthropic gifts, such as endowed scholarships, that are most meaningful to their interests. Some gifts are general; others support students, faculty, and programs from particular areas or departments. No matter the case, it’s incredibly rewarding to match a donor’s philanthropic passions with the priorities of the college.”

Having received his education from a public university, Michalka is dedicated to providing the support system that he gained throughout his undergraduate years.

“I felt like I was the beneficiary of something so profound,” he said, reflecting on his time as a college student. “Even after I’d graduated, I wanted to take part in that higher education experience and pay it forward.”

He holds a special place in his heart for The College of Liberal Arts, where he says students gain a breadth of knowledge that empowers them in the workplace.

“I’m biased, but I think COLA is the best college on campus,” he said with a laugh. “You’re not just learning finite skills while you’re here. You’re learning how to grow, how to be flexible and resilient. You’re gaining exposure to different subjects that all relate to each other in some way.”

Michalka addressed the healthy fear of securing a job with a Liberal Arts degree, especially as the Class of 2021 prepares to graduate this weekend.

“Unlike journalism or electrical engineering majors for example, many Liberal Arts students may not have a definitive idea of what career lies in store for them,” he explained. “It can be frightening, but also exhilarating. The knowledge economy — especially in regards to technology — is expanding, and that’s where the flexibility of a Liberal Arts education comes to bear. At the end of the day, our students are best positioned for a wide variety of jobs, including those that haven’t even been created yet.”

He also acknowledged the increasing data that supports the long-term success of Liberal Arts graduates.

“For seniors who are understandably thinking about earnings and a sustainable career path, research has demonstrated that Liberal Arts students actually earn more over time and fulfill higher-level positions than other graduates.”

Nonetheless, Michalka empathizes with Liberal Arts graduates and encourages them to keep an open, optimistic mindset when entering the job market.

“We all have to find that entry-level job, and it’s not easy. I’ve been there,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important to trust in that trajectory, that career development over time. And don’t feel like there’s one set path, either! That’s the cool thing about the Liberal Arts — you can dabble in all sorts of things.”

In his free time, Michalka enjoys reading from a variety of literary genres.

“Lately, I’ve been interested in thrillers, mysteries, and crime novels,” he shared. “I also enjoy books about self-improvement, about the psychology of who we are as human beings.”

He is also excited to experience life beyond Zoom meetings as our global health situation improves.

“I look forward to eating out at restaurants and spending more time with family,” he said hopefully.

As the Executive Director of Development for The College of Liberal Arts, Michalka applauds the Class of 2020 and 2021 for completing their education amid the global pandemic and its subsequent obstacles.

“It’s been tough for our graduating seniors who’ve worked for years to reach a finish line that looks so different from what they expected,” he acknowledged. “I encourage you to embrace that, as hard as it is. You’ve developed a resiliency you may not fully realize, and you will carry that resiliency — either consciously or subconsciously — into the next phases of your life.”

Above all else, he reminds graduating seniors that their COLA family will always be there for them on The Forty Acres and beyond.

“There’s a wonderful connectivity between current and former students here at UT, and I think it’s really important to remember that,” he said. “It’s so easy to feel like we’re on islands by ourselves in this pandemic, but there are so many people who are cheering you on and remain invested in your success.”

More information about alumni involvement within The College of Liberal Arts can be found in the Alumni and Giving section. Learn more about the commencement celebration for the Class of 2020-21.

Author’s Note: Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors! You all have worked incredibly hard these past few years, and The College of Liberal Arts wishes you the best in your future endeavors. Hook ‘em horns!