UNF Presidential Search Committee advances finalist to Board of Trustees
Following a comprehensive search over the last five months, the University of North Florida Presidential Search Committee forwards to the UNF Board of Trustees Dr. Michael P. Shannon, current president of the University of North Georgia, for consideration as UNF’s eighth president.
The 11-member Search Committee includes members of the campus, community, Board of Trustees and Board of Governors and was chaired by UNF Board of Trustees member Jack Boyle. The search generated significant interest, resulting in 152 applicants, a clear reflection of UNF’s momentum and growing national reputation.
The Search Committee reviewed candidates in accordance with Florida Board of Governors Regulation 1.002, Presidential Search and Selection, and Section 1004.098 of the Florida Statutes.
Dr. Shannon has served as president of the University of North Georgia, a public institution with more than 20,000 students, since 2023. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Shannon earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after assignments in the Infantry, Signal Corps, counterproliferation, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and West Point. Following his military career, Dr. Shannon worked in small business and at Georgia Tech as a faculty member, researcher and executive. He and his wife, Jessica, have four children.
“Dr. Shannon is a strong leader with an impressive background in higher education and military service," Boyle said. "He is passionate about student success, community engagement and the future of UNF."
Since becoming UNG president in 2023, Dr. Shannon has led a period of significant growth and institutional transformation. UNG surpassed 20,000 students for the first time in its history, strengthened student retention, expanded academic and workforce programs across its five campuses, and advanced major investments in STEM, health sciences, leadership development and military education. His leadership has emphasized student success, institutional relevance and strong partnerships with government, industry and the communities UNG serves.
“UNF, Jacksonville and Northeast Florida are filled with extraordinary opportunity, and I am honored to be advanced for consideration as UNF’s next president. Jessica and I are excited for the opportunity to spend time with the UNF community, to listen and learn, and to better understand its aspirations for the future," he said. "There is tremendous momentum here, and I am inspired by what UNF can become and the impact it can continue to make for its students and this region. I am grateful to Chairman Boyle and the Search Committee for their confidence, and I look forward to the conversations ahead.”
Dr. Shannon will participate in on-campus forums with faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders on September 9 and 10th. The following week, Dr. Shannon will be interviewed by the Board of Trustees, who will then vote on his candidacy. The Board of Governors must confirm a presidential selection.
Details about public forums and other updates will be posted on the UNF Presidential Search Committee website.