The University of Montana is gearing up for a transformative journey under the leadership of Jeremiah Shinn. As he assumes his role as the 20th president of the Missoula flagship, Shinn is prioritizing an easier and more supportive campus environment for students, both inside and outside the classroom.
Jeremiah Shinn has officially stepped into his role as the University of Montana’s new president after serving as interim president at Boise State University. His main goal is to simplify the university experience, ensuring that students face fewer hurdles in classrooms, residence halls, and parking lots. “We’re never going to stop pursuing that,” Shinn stated.
Following the departure of former UM President Seth Bodnar, who resigned to run for a U.S. Senate seat, Shinn has taken on this leadership role with a clear vision. He aims to enhance campus life to boost student success and plans to travel across Montana to understand the state’s needs better.
Liberal arts at UM
The University of Montana has a longstanding history in liberal arts and sciences, producing Pulitzer winners, Marshall Scholars, and Udall Scholars. Despite recent budget cuts affecting programs like the master’s in literature, Shinn believes in the enduring relevance of liberal arts, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. He emphasized the importance of discernment, a skill cultivated through the humanities, stating, “I believe that the liberal arts is in for a renaissance.”
While Shinn is committed to the liberal arts mission, he acknowledges that discussions about budget allocations are still in their early stages. “There are budget questions, there are priorities questions,” he said, highlighting the need for further conversations.
‘Do right’ by state, taxpayers
Enrollment at UM has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 13,198 in 2010 and reaching 15,669 in 2011. However, numbers declined to 8,651 in 2020 before stabilizing and increasing to 9,427 in the fall of 2025. Shinn aims to determine the optimal enrollment figure within six months, ensuring that the university can handle the capacity without compromising quality. “I want to be intentional and thoughtful about how we establish those benchmarks,” he explained.
Shinn is focused on delivering high-quality education efficiently, conscious of the financial contributions from the state and taxpayers. “I’m very conscious of being sure that we’re delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price,” he noted.
‘Public means for everybody’
Holding a doctorate in educational leadership, Shinn recognizes the necessity for universities to adapt to changing environments. He emphasized the importance of aligning the university’s priorities with external financial, cultural, and institutional environments. “Higher education is notoriously slow to change, and I believe the world demands us to change,” Shinn said.
Amidst political pressures and changes proposed by the Trump administration, Shinn remains committed to UM’s mission of inclusivity. “Public means for everybody, and we’re going to serve everybody,” he affirmed, ensuring a supportive environment for all students.
Meeting political leaders, cheering Grizzlies
Shinn plans to connect with various state leaders and stakeholders, enhancing community engagement. On campus, he’s already building relationships, including with Grizzlies football Coach Bobby Kennedy. Shinn praised Kennedy for his integrity and commitment to developing student athletes for life beyond sports.
As a first-generation college graduate, Shinn is dedicated to fostering a transformative educational experience at UM. “I’m here to do that. I’m not here for me, I’m here for the university,” he stated, expressing his commitment to making the university community proud.
