Side-by-Side Success

UM senior Lauren Schulte transformed a deep curiosity about human behavior into a clear path toward a career in clinical psychology. Through diverse undergraduate research, she discovered how research and practice intersect. Schulte also supported peers as a wellbeing coach and campus leader, strengthening her commitment to helping others feel understood and supported.

The Montana Board of Regents has selected Dr. Jeremiah Shinn to serve as the next president of the University of Montana.

Shinn’s selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country.

“I am honored to be named the 20th president of the University of Montana and eager to get started,” said Shinn. “I am inspired by the remarkable students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who make UM so special, and I look forward to joining this extraordinary team to build on its strong foundation and shape a bright future together.”

“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 Christian with the support of a presidential search advisory work group and the national firm AGB Search – was both expedited and comprehensive, reflecting UM’s commitment to maintaining momentum while securing a visionary leader aligned with the University’s values, culture and strategic direction.

Deborah Agbakwuru is a PhD candidate in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UM whose research is focused on the future. By studying cells and how they interact, Deborah is working to understand how cells “talk” to one another, revealing how the immune system receives signals and responds to disease. This work has the potential to lead to improved cancer treatments and better immunotherapies. Through her education at UM, Deborah has developed the expertise to track how cells change during infection and disease and to detect these changes earlier. 

Graduating this spring? Before you go, please complete the UM Graduation Survey and share your plans after graduation. Whether you have a job lined up, are heading to grad school or are still figuring things out, your response matters. This data helps improve programs, strengthen career support and show future students what is possible with a UM degree.

UM introduced “The Big Event,” a new annual tradition that brings students together for a day of service before celebrating the close of the academic year. More than 170 students participated in projects across Missoula, from neighborhood cleanups to trail restoration and preparing the iconic M for repainting. Rooted in gratitude and community connection, the event reflects UM’s culture of stewardship while strengthening student relationships and pride.

UM graduate Ryan Fleetwood turned relentless curiosity into a fast-tracked path toward a Ph.D. in systems ecology. Earning dual degrees in environmental science and geography, he immersed himself in hands-on research, from climate modeling and snowpack analysis to national internships with federal agencies.