University of Montana reports enrollment gains, advances presidential finalist and pauses several humanities programs

University of Montana leaders told City Club attendees the campus is growing but making strategic academic changes to align offerings with student demand.

Dr. Leslie Webb, vice provost for student affairs and enrollment management, said the university last week welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shin as the finalist for president and that university leadership unanimously advanced his candidacy for consideration by the Board of Regents. “Dr. Shin’s on‑campus visit affirmed the belief that he is an exceptional candidate,” Webb said.

Webb reported enrollment and retention gains: since 2021 the university has added more than 1,500 students (about a 16% increase), and first‑to‑second‑year retention has risen roughly 9 percentage points since 2018. She said the university’s enrollment strategy pairs recruitment with investments in retention—financial aid, student services and experiential learning.

At the same time, Webb and Vice Provost John Dbor discussed the academic portfolio review that produced difficult choices. The forum transcript lists specific programs placed in moratorium or discontinued: Irish studies, the Chinese minor, some literature offerings and an economics master’s program. Dbor said coursework may remain available to current students but degrees in those disciplines will not be offered once current students complete their programs.

The university also highlighted growth areas: criminology, environmental science and sustainability, cybersecurity, and new professional programs such as occupational therapy and a planned physician assistant program. Webb said the institution is searching for the inaugural dean of a consolidated College of Humanities and Social Sciences to provide sustained leadership for those disciplines.

What happens next: Webb said the presidential finalist will be considered by the Board of Regents and the academic portfolio process will continue to balance fiscal sustainability with longer‑term investments in priority programs.