Boise State's Interim President Leaving for University of Montana

Jeremiah Shinn to depart Boise State after less than a year in interim role.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:21pm

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An extremely blurred and abstracted photograph of a university campus, with indistinct figures of students walking across a grassy quad, captured through a hazy, rain-streaked lens in a soft, dreamlike style that evokes a sense of transition and change.As Boise State University navigates a change in leadership, the campus community remains focused on the future despite the uncertainty of transition.Boise Today

Boise State University is losing its interim president, Jeremiah Shinn, who has been tapped to serve as the next president of the University of Montana starting on July 1. Shinn had returned to Boise State in 2023 after previously working there, but is now departing the Idaho university after less than a year in the interim role.

Why it matters

Boise State is in the midst of a search for its next permanent president, which was paused last year but has now restarted following a change in state law. Shinn's departure adds another layer of transition for the university as it seeks stable leadership going forward.

The details

Shinn was asked to take on the interim president role at Boise State last year after the previous president, Marlene Tromp, announced she would be leaving. Shinn had previously worked at Boise State before spending time at Louisiana State University. The University of Montana's Board of Regents has now selected Shinn to be its next president, which he will begin on July 1.

  • Shinn was appointed as Boise State's interim president less than a year ago.
  • Shinn will start his new role as University of Montana president on July 1, 2026.

The players

Jeremiah Shinn

The interim president of Boise State University who has been selected as the next president of the University of Montana.

Boise State University

The public research university located in Boise, Idaho, which is currently searching for its next permanent president after the departure of former President Marlene Tromp.

University of Montana

The public research university located in Missoula, Montana, which has chosen Jeremiah Shinn to be its next president.

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What they’re saying

“I am inspired by the remarkable students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who make UM so special, and I look forward to joining this extraordinary team to build on its strong foundation and shape a bright future together.”

— Jeremiah Shinn

What’s next

Boise State University plans to conduct interviews for its next permanent president in the coming weeks, with the goal of naming a new president by the start of the fall semester.

The takeaway

Boise State University is facing a period of transition as it searches for a new permanent president following the departure of its interim leader, Jeremiah Shinn, who has been selected to lead the University of Montana. This adds another layer of uncertainty as the university seeks to maintain stability and momentum during the leadership change.