The University of North Florida Presidential Search Committee has announced Michael P. Shannon as the sole finalist for the university\u2019s eighth president.<\/p>\n
Shannon, who has served as the 18th president of the University of North Georgia since 2023, was selected following a five-month national search that yielded 152 applicants. According to a campus-wide email, the committee identified eight semifinalists.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 11-member search committee, chaired by Board of Trustees member Jack Boyle, vetted candidates according to Florida Board of Governors regulations<\/a> and state statutes<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Shannon is a strong leader with an impressive background in higher education and military service,\u201d Boyle said in a campus-wide email. \u201cHe is passionate about student success, community engagement and the future of UNF.\u201d<\/p>\n Who is Michael Shannon?<\/p>\n Shannon\u2019s background includes 20 years of service as a U.S. Army officer, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. His academic credentials include bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as a master\u2019s degree and Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology.<\/p>\n During his tenure at the University of North Georgia, which began in 2023, Shannon oversaw growth that saw enrollment surpass 20,000 students, according to a press release from UNF.\u00a0<\/p>\n His leadership emphasized expanding academic programs, strengthening student retention, and investing in STEM, health sciences, and military education, according to the press release.<\/p>\n \u201cUNF, Jacksonville and Northeast Florida are filled with extraordinary opportunity, and I am honored to be advanced for consideration as UNF\u2019s next president,\u201d Shannon said in the press release. \u201cThere 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Shannon is scheduled to participate in on-campus forums with faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders on Sept. 9 and 10, according to the press release from UNF.\u00a0<\/p>\n Following these events, the Board of Trustees will interview Shannon and vote on his candidacy. If the board approves the selection, it remains subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.<\/p>\n \u201dWe congratulate President Shannon on being selected as a finalist,\u201d said a UNG spokesperson in an email to Spinnaker. \u201cAt this point, President Shannon remains president of UNG. The UNF search process includes additional steps before any final appointment is made, and he will continue leading UNG as that process moves forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Further details regarding the public forums will be updated on the UNF Presidential Search Committee website<\/a>.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n