As the new academic year begins, the University of Montana (UM) welcomes its 20th president, Dr. Jeremiah Shinn. Stepping into this leadership role, Dr. Shinn arrives at a time when the campus is experiencing increased enrollment and a surge in research activities, all while navigating the challenges posed by a swiftly evolving economy.
During a stroll through the Oval and in a conversation with NBC Montana's Laurel Staples, Dr. Shinn emphasized that his administration will prioritize equipping students for the job market while remaining attuned to the evolving needs of Montana's businesses and communities.
“One of the significant challenges in higher education right now is making sure we’re responsive to our environment,” Shinn stated. “We need to ensure a close alignment between our educational offerings and the requirements of our workforce and business community.”
With a background as the interim president at Boise State University, Shinn plans to enhance collaborations with employers throughout Montana. He believes these partnerships are crucial for pinpointing workforce gaps and tailoring programs to meet industry specific demands. "There are substantial opportunities within the local and state business communities to identify workforce needs and explore how we might assist in addressing those," he remarked.
Dr. Shinn is committed to student achievement as a cornerstone of his leadership. His administration aims to eliminate barriers to degree completion, create more job opportunities post-graduation, and ensure that students have access to the necessary resources for their success.
“I want to ensure that every student from Montana who wishes to attend UM can do so successfully and secures a job upon graduation,” he affirmed.
His tenure begins as the university reviews its academic programs, including making tough choices regarding potential reductions. Shinn indicated that they will continuously evaluate their offerings to guarantee alignment with student demands, state priorities, and effective resource management.
“We will comprehensively assess all our operations to ensure they meet student needs, align with state objectives, and uphold responsible stewardship of the university’s resources,” he explained.
Despite potential adjustments, Shinn affirmed the university's strong commitment to its liberal arts foundation. He asserted that skills like critical thinking, creativity, and discernment are more important than ever as artificial intelligence reshapes many industries.
“AI can provide answers, but it lacks the capacity for discernment and critical thought,” he noted. “We aim to cultivate our strengths and ensure that our graduates can think critically, ask insightful questions, and offer innovative solutions to global challenges.”
As he embarks on his first semester, Shinn's immediate goal is to listen attentively to students, faculty, staff, and community members across Montana to help shape the university's future direction.
“I am genuinely excited to lead the university at this pivotal moment because I believe it holds boundless potential,” he expressed.
