Candidate Jeremiah Shinn visited the Missoula flagship this week
By Keila Szpaller DAILY MONTANAN
The Montana Board of Regents is taking up the hire of Jeremiah Shinn for University of Montana president at a special meeting on April 14.
Shinn, interim president of Boise State University, visited the Missoula campus earlier this week after emerging as the sole finalist out of more than 70 applicants, according to earlier information from the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
At the meeting, the Board of Regents will consider employment terms that include an annual salary of $467,197 and annual deferred compensation of $76,875, according to the agenda item. The terms also include a university-owned residence.
The start date would be July 1, 2026.
The Board of Regents is considering the hire because former UM President Seth Bodnar announced his resignation in January and subsequently filed to run for U.S. Senate as an independent.
Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian undertook an expedited hire to preserve momentum at the Missoula flagship and said he had never seen a pool of candidates with so much presidential experience — many had served in the role in some capacity.
Christian said Shinn rose to the top because he was “a fit” with UM and has a deep background in student affairs.
In May 2025, the Board of Regents approved $455,802 salaries for presidents at both UM and Montana State University and Commissioner Christian, along with deferred compensation of $75,000, all effective July 1, 2025.
The UM president’s house near campus has been on the market for $2.895 million and is still listed as for sale on Engel & Völkers’ website. The Commissioner’s Office could not be immediately reached for comment on the status of the property.
