Montana Board of Regents Approves New UM President

Jeremiah Shinn, former Boise State interim president, unanimously selected to lead University of Montana

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A highly stylized, abstract grid of neon-colored graduation caps in a pop art silkscreen style, conceptually representing the transition to new leadership at the University of Montana.The University of Montana's new leadership aims to reinvigorate the campus and student experience with a bold, innovative vision.Boise Today

The Montana University System Board of Regents has unanimously approved Jeremiah Shinn, the former interim president of Boise State University, as the next president of the University of Montana. The brief session this morning formalized Shinn's appointment to the top leadership role at UM.

Why it matters

The University of Montana has faced declining enrollment and budget challenges in recent years, making the selection of a new president a critical decision for the state's flagship public university. Shinn's experience leading Boise State during a transitional period is seen as an asset as he takes on the role of guiding UM through its own period of change.

The details

Jeremiah Shinn served as the interim president of Boise State University from 2023 to 2025 before being selected for the permanent UM presidency. During his time at Boise State, Shinn helped steer the university through the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented new strategies to boost enrollment and retention.

  • The Montana University System Board of Regents convened this morning to formally approve Shinn's appointment.
  • Shinn served as the interim president of Boise State University from 2023 to 2025.

The players

Jeremiah Shinn

The former interim president of Boise State University, Shinn has now been unanimously selected as the next president of the University of Montana.

Montana University System Board of Regents

The governing body that oversees Montana's public university system, including the University of Montana, and has approved Shinn as the new UM president.

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What’s next

Shinn is expected to officially begin his tenure as University of Montana president in the coming weeks, taking over from the previous interim leadership.

The takeaway

The selection of Jeremiah Shinn as the new University of Montana president represents a critical transition for the state's flagship public university, as it looks to build on Shinn's experience leading another major institution through a period of change and uncertainty.