Newman University Head Bowling Coach Billy Murphy ended an already successful season on a high when he earned his college degree alongside his graduating student-athletes on commencement day May 10.
“I’ve always wanted to do this and it finally felt like it was time,” Murphy said on graduation day. “I’ve been coaching here for 21 years and I’m selling education as well as the coaching, so it seemed like I should go ahead and finish.”
Murphy had attended Wichita State University (WSU) from 1989-92, but never finished his degree. He knew he wanted to return to school eventually, but in the meantime he took an entrepreneurial route. He continued bowling, made a living and eventually decided to open up two pro-shops. 2024 marks his 28th year as a proud business owner of Wichita Bowling Supply.
He took classes to earn his interdisciplinary studies degree at Newman while utilizing past credits from WSU.
It didn’t take him long to realize, “Our academic experience at Newman is everything I’ve always thought it was,” Murphy said.
For Murphy, what began as intimidation as an adult learner transformed into appreciation when he experienced the amount of care faculty members give to each student. Murphy’s professors were understanding of his journey and supported him every semester – something that came as no surprise to the bowling coach.
“Anytime you need help, you reach out and they take care of you,” he said. “It’s everything that I’ve been selling to these students for the last 21 years.”
He even shared classes with some of his Newman Jet bowlers.
“It was a little weird at first having my players in classes, but I wanted to reach those goals I set for myself, and it’s been an incredible experience,” Murphy said.
Graduate Jasmine Dickerson Banks ‘24 was one such student. She earned her interdisciplinary studies degree with an emphasis in business and heath care and stated, “I wouldn’t be where I am without Coach Billy Murphy.”
“Being on the women’s bowling team has always been a dream of mine and I chose Newman because of the coach for the bowling program,” Banks said. “Being one of his athletes has helped me become not only a stronger bowler but a better person.”
Murphy said his players are a big reason he decided to return to school, and some of those same players insisted he walk the stage at graduation.
“Originally I wasn’t going to walk, but my students who graduated were like, ‘You’re walking with us,’” Murphy said with a laugh.
I wouldn’t be where I am without Coach Billy Murphy.
Jasmine Dickerson Banks ’24
Murphy describes his coaching journey at Newman as “an amazing experience where I get to do what I love.”
The outpouring of support from Newman students, staff, faculty and even his retired WSU bowling coach Gordon Vadakin has been simply “incredible.”
“Getting a degree is very important to Coach Vadakin and his players,” Murphy explained. “So when I saw him in Louisville at Collegiate Nationals as he was inducted into the collegiate bowling hall of fame, I told him, ‘I want you to know your graduation rate went up.’ He laughed and chuckled, and I know he’s excited about me going back to school, too.”
Explore life at Newman University
Experience a personalized and transformative education that empowers you to make your distinctive mark in the world.
