JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida Board of Trustees selected Dr. Michael P. Shannon as the university’s next president Wednesday, putting him in line to become UNF’s eighth president.
Shannon’s appointment still requires confirmation from the Florida Board of Governors. His contract is expected to be considered by UNF trustees Sept. 23.
Shannon has led the University of North Georgia since 2023. During his tenure, UNG reported record enrollment, improved student retention and expanded academic and workforce programs across its five campuses.
He also oversaw investments in STEM, health sciences, leadership development and military education.
“Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the university’s incredible impact across our region and beyond,” Board of Trustees Chair Steve Moore said.
Dr. Michael P. Shannon selected to be the University of North Florida’s eighth president (WJXT)
The selection follows a five-month national search that drew 152 applicants. The 11-member search committee held listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business leaders and other community members before recommending Shannon to the trustees in August.
Shannon visited UNF on Sept. 9 and 10, meeting with members of the campus and Jacksonville communities. Trustees interviewed him before voting on his selection.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as president-elect by the UNF Board of Trustees,” Shannon said. “UNF is on the verge of becoming one of the great American university success stories of this era.”
Shannon is a first-generation college graduate who earned degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a lieutenant colonel.
He later worked in small business and held faculty, research and executive positions at Georgia Tech. He and his wife, Jessica, have four children.
UNF reported about 18,900 students this fall, including a record 3,762 freshmen and 2,831 graduate students.
The university ranked No. 58 among public colleges and universities in TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges 2026-27 ranking. According to TIME, the ranking considered value, student success and return on investment.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.