AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
May 18, 2026 – Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment.
“Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit affirmed our belief that he is an exceptional candidate who, throughout the search process, repeatedly rose to the top of an outstanding and diverse field of applicants,” said Montana commissioner of higher education Clayton Christian. “His demonstrated leadership, commitment to student success and collaborative spirit make him uniquely suited to lead the University of Montana.”
The search process – led by Mr. Christian with the support of a presidential search advisory work group and the national firm AGB Search – was both expedited and comprehensive, reflecting the University of Montana’s commitment to maintaining momentum while securing a visionary leader aligned with the University’s values, culture and strategic direction.
Dr. Shinn emerged as the clear and unanimous recommendation to the Board of Regents after rigorous review, intensive vetting and a well-received on-campus visit that affirmed his exceptional fit for the role.
“Dr. Shinn brings not only experience and insight, but also a clear respect for the University of Montana’s role in the life of our state,” said Board of Regents chair Todd Buchanan. “His approachable leadership style and clear vision for supporting student success resonated throughout his visit, and we’re excited to welcome him to the University of Montana.”
Dr. Shinn currently serves as interim president of Boise State University, where he has led initiatives to enhance student engagement, strengthen campus partnerships and expand access to educational opportunities. Mr. Christian said his background reflects a career dedicated to fostering student-centered leadership and institutional excellence. Prior to serving as interim president, Dr. Shinn was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Boise State University. He also served as vice president for student affairs at Louisiana State University.
“I am honored to be named the 20th president of the University of Montana and eager to get started,” said Dr. Shinn. “I am inspired by the remarkable students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who make the University of Montana so special, and I look forward to joining this extraordinary team to build on its strong foundation and shape a bright future together.”
Founded in 1893 and located in Missoula, the University of Montana is a public flagship top-tier research university with a strong liberal arts foundation and a commitment to professional preparation, graduate education, research, and creative scholarship. UM serves more than 11,000 students in traditional baccalaureate, graduate certificate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as more than 10,000 additional learners through noncredit courses and workforce-focused trainings developed in partnership with employers and communities across Montana.
Related: AGB Search Fills Senior Position for Western Colorado University
AGB Search conducts searches for college and university presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, university system heads, and CEOs of coordinating boards and related foundations. The firm was founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010.
Experienced Search Consultants
Dr. McDavis became the managing principal of AGB Search in 2017, after serving as president of Ohio University for 13 years. He is responsible for leading and managing all components of AGB Search including executive search, interim search, executive coaching, and ExecComp, the firm’s compensation evaluation service.
His representative executive searches include:
- University of Colorado Boulder – chancellor.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln – chancellor.
- California State University, Sacramento – president.
- Central State University – president.
- Polk State College – provost, academic affairs & workforce education.
- University of Pittsburgh – vice chancellor & secretary to the board of trustees.
Dr. McCormick joined AGB Search in 2011. His work with over 65 searches has focused upon public higher education leadership for universities, colleges, community and two-year colleges, and state system heads. As chancellor emeritus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Dr. McCormick began his term of office there in July 2001, and concluded service to the system in 2011.
His representative executive searches include:
- City Colleges of Chicago (IL) – chancellor, provost, seven college presidents.
- Emporia State University (KS) – president.
- Housatonic Community College – president.
- Iowa State University – president.
- Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education – president.
- Louisiana Board of Regents – commissioner.
- Montana Technological University – chancellor.
- State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (CO) – president.
Ms. Fitzgerald joined AGB Search in 2011. Ms. Fitzgerald’s work with over 65 searches has focused on public higher education leadership for universities, colleges, community and two-year colleges, and state system heads. Prior to joining AGB Search, Ms. Fitzgerald served 10 years as chief of staff and deputy chancellor for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
Her representative executive searches include:
- City Colleges of Chicago – chancellor, provost, seven college presidents.
- Idaho State University – president.
- Iowa State University – president.
- Kentucky Community and Technical College System – president.
- North Dakota State University – president.
- Pittsburg State University – president.
- University of Montana – president, provost.
Related: AGB Search Recruits CHRO for the University of Colorado System
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
