Side-by-Side Success

UM has launched “The Obit Project,” a 12-episode podcast series that reimagines traditional obituaries through immersive audio storytelling. Produced by the Montana Media Lab within the School of Journalism, the project pairs student reporters with professional mentors to create deeply reported, narrative-driven obituaries that focus on the meaning of lives rather than just their endings. 

The idea originated in a feature writing class led by professor Jule Banville, who challenged students to move beyond fact-based obituaries and instead tell rich, human-centered stories. With guidance from podcast pioneer Jad Abumrad, students transformed written assignments into compelling audio pieces that blend reporting, sound design and emotional storytelling.

"The Obit Project" was partially funded by UM's Flagship Fund, and highlights the enduring power of listening and storytelling in journalism, demonstrating how student work can resonate far beyond the classroom.

he 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. Identifying these early signals will support the development of new, more effective treatments with fewer side effects. 

For patients, this means earlier diagnosis, more effective therapies, treatments tailored to an individual's specific immune system response. 

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's traditional Week of Excellence is coming up April 27 to May 1. The Employee Celebration Breakfast on Wednesday, April 29, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the UC Ballroom recognizes award recipients, employees with longevity milestones and new retirees, alongside a delicious breakfast. Join us to celebrate a very full year of great work, Grizzlies! 

Join the University of Montana Alumni Association at noon on Wednesday, April 29, for the next installment of Griz Paths. This session spotlights UM graduates who have built careers in politics and law — sharing their career journeys, insights into their fields, and advice for those looking to follow a similar path. Whether you're a student exploring your options, a recent grad, or an alumnus curious about the field, this is your chance to hear firsthand from Griz who are making an impact in the political and legal arenas.