University of Montana Finalist Outlines Vision for Tackling Higher Ed Challenges

Dr. Jeremiah Shinn shares plans to address rising costs and foster inclusivity if selected as UM's next president.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:00am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of students walking on a college campus, with warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene that captures the mood of inclusivity and support for diverse student experiences.Dr. Jeremiah Shinn's vision for the University of Montana aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for students from diverse backgrounds.Poplar Today

Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, the finalist for the University of Montana presidency, recently visited the Missoula campus to meet with staff, students, and supporters. He outlined his vision for addressing the challenges facing higher education, including the rising cost of tuition and ensuring the university supports students with diverse backgrounds and needs.

Why it matters

As colleges and universities across the country grapple with declining enrollment and financial pressures, the University of Montana's next president will play a crucial role in steering the institution towards a sustainable future. Shinn's focus on affordability and inclusivity could shape the direction of UM and impact the educational opportunities available to students in Montana.

The details

During his visit, Shinn emphasized that his top priority as UM's president would be to fully understand the diverse needs of the university's student body and design processes, systems, and a campus culture to support them. He also expressed a desire to build on the positive trajectory of the university in areas like research, enrollment, and financial sustainability.

  • Shinn first visited the UM campus last year while working as a consultant.
  • Shinn is currently the interim president at Boise State.
  • The Board of Regents could make a decision on the UM presidency within a few days.

The players

Dr. Jeremiah Shinn

The finalist for the University of Montana presidency, who is currently serving as the interim president at Boise State University.

Seth Bodnar

The former president of the University of Montana, who Shinn believes left the university on an upward path.

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What they’re saying

“The University of Montana has a number of students that come here with different experiences and different needs. And so understanding what those are fully and being sure that we have designed processes, systems, and a culture intentionally to support them will be will be job number one.”

— Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, UM Presidential Finalist

“For me, it's about continuing the amazing trajectory that the university is on. In research, in enrollment, in financial sustainability. And so there will be a lot to learn about what each of those items looks like and exactly what they need, but I'm very pleased with where the university is.”

— Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, UM Presidential Finalist

“I think that it's primed for success in the future. And I'm looking forward to helping achieve what we all know is possible.”

— Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, UM Presidential Finalist

What’s next

The Board of Regents could make a decision on Dr. Jeremiah Shinn's appointment as the next president of the University of Montana within a few days.

The takeaway

As the University of Montana seeks to address the challenges facing higher education, including rising costs and the need for greater inclusivity, Dr. Jeremiah Shinn's vision for the institution could have a significant impact on the educational opportunities available to students in Montana.