UM Selects New President After National Search Of 70 Applicants

Jeremiah Shinn Named 20th President of UM

There’s a big leadership change coming to the University of Montana, and now it’s official.

After a national search that pulled in more than 70 applicants, the Montana Board of Regents has unanimously approved Jeremiah Shinn as the next president of UM.

Jeremiah Shinn’s Background At Boise State University

Shinn will become the 20th president in the university’s history, a notable milestone given how long the school has existed.

He’s stepping in after outgoing president Seth Bodnar left to run as an independent in the Montana Senate race.

Most recently, Shinn served as interim president at Boise State University. Before that, he held a range of leadership roles focused on student affairs and university administration, building up a background centered on campus operations and student experience.

Start Date And Salary For New UM President

Out of the 70-plus applicants, Shinn was the only finalist brought to Missoula for a full vetting process.

Board Chair Todd Buchanan said the university wanted to move quickly on filling the role, telling the Daily Montanan:

Shinn is expected to start July 1, 2026, with the Board of Regents also approving an annual salary of $467,197.

And yes, that also means it's time to update the list of the university’s highest-paid employees found in the gallery below.

Source: Daily Montanan