Shinn Says UM Will Prove Its Value, Not Just Argue For It

New University of Montana President Jeremiah Shinn freely admits not everyone is seeing the value of a higher education degree in 2026.

But he's challenging the school's administrators, faculty and students to prove UM's importance to Montana "and the world beyond."

That unique and honest viewpoint set the tone for Shinn's first "State of the University" address on Friday.

A new era for UM

Whereas some of his predecessors would focus on issues like budgets, funding, and programs in their beginning-of-the-year remarks, Shinn took an entirely different approach, reminding the early morning audience in the Montana Theater of individual accomplishments of Griz graduates who are already changing the world.

Shinn used those examples to answer the question of what a college degree means today. Saying it was okay to ask the same questions that have been raised with the decline in overall confidence in the value of higher education.

"Not because we lack confidence in our mission. But because any institution that exists to serve the public should constantly ask whether they are fulfilling that responsibility," Shinn explained.

"There are questions about the value of a UM degree, and we intend to answer them, not with arguments, with proof."

UM's value to Montana

Shinn shared his excitement for the future, and continuing to prove UM's value to the entire state. He said that ranges from the $100 million impact of Grizzly Athletics, to training healthcare workers and teachers to meet the growing demand, especially in rural communities.

"I want the average Montanan, and every taxpayer and every lawmaker and every student and parent to understand the things that this university does in service to the state." -UM President Jeremiah Shinn.

Shinn becomes UM's 20th President to kick off a new school year.

🎙️ You can hear more from President Shinn when he appears on "Talkback" this coming Wednesday on Newstalk KGVO.