UNF Board of Trustees selects Dr. Michael P. Shannon as president-elect

The University of North Florida Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Michael P. Shannon as the University's eighth president, subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.

Shannon has served as president of the University of North Georgia, a public institution with more than 20,000 students, since 2023. A first-generation college graduate, Shannon earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also earned a master's degree in health physics and a Ph.D. in nuclear and radiological engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

"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," said Steve Moore, Board of Trustees chair. "He brings a deep commitment to student success, a collaborative leadership style and a proven ability to drive institutional growth."

Shannon 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, Shannon worked in small business and at Georgia Tech as a faculty member, researcher and executive. He and his wife, Jessica, have four children.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected as president-elect by the UNF Board of Trustees, and I look forward to the continued process before the Florida Board of Governors," said Shannon. "UNF is on the verge of becoming one of the great American university success stories of this era. This university has already changed countless lives and strengthened the Northeast Florida region, and I believe its greatest impact is still ahead. Jessica and I are excited to become part of UNF and the Jacksonville community, including its exceptional students, alumni, industry partners and supporters.

At UNG, Shannon has led a period of significant growth and institutional transformation. During his tenure, the university reached historic enrollment, 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. Shannon's leadership emphasized student success, institutional relevance and strong partnerships with government, industry and the communities UNG serves.

Following applicable state laws and BOG regulations, the 11-member UNF Presidential Search Committee conducted a five-month national search that attracted 152 applicants and included listening sessions to gather input from key stakeholders and shape the leadership profile for the University's next president. In August, the committee that was appointed by Moore and chaired by Trustee Jack Boyle forwarded Shannon to the Board of Trustees for consideration as UNF's next president. Moore and the other trustees thanked the search committee for its thoughtful and comprehensive search.

Shannon visited UNF's campus Sept. 9 and 10, participating in forums and gatherings with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business leaders and other community stakeholders. Feedback from those meetings was provided to the BOT. During Wednesday's meeting, trustees interviewed Shannon before deliberating. His contract will be considered during a BOT meeting on Sept. 23.

For the second consecutive year, UNF reached historic enrollment this fall with about 18,900 students. Also, the University welcomed its largest freshmen class of 3,762 students across full-time and part-time programs and its largest graduate student enrollment with 2,831 students.

In TIME's inaugural America's Best Colleges 2026-27, UNF ranked No. 58 among the nation's top public colleges and universities. The ranking acknowledges UNF for delivering exceptional value, student success and a high return on investment.

For more information, visit the UNF Presidential Search Committee website.