Florida Board of Governors confirms Dr. Michael P. Shannon as UNF’s eighth president

The Florida Board of Governors on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Dr. Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida.

Shannon, who will step into the role on Jan. 4, was selected by the UNF Board of Trustees on Sept. 16 after a five-month national search.

"I am deeply grateful for the confidence of the UNF Board of Trustees and Florida Board of Governors and for the opportunity to serve this great University," Shannon said. "UNF is at an inflection point and has tremendous momentum. Now we have an opportunity to build on that thoughtfully and boldly, strengthening the student experience, investing in our people and growing our impact without losing what makes UNF special."

Shannon, currently president of the University of North Georgia, holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also holds a master's degree in health physics and a Ph.D. in nuclear and radiological engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Shannon and his wife Jessica have four children.

Shannon said strengthening UNF's ties to Jacksonville will be a priority.

"I believe strongly in what UNF and Jacksonville can accomplish together. UNF should be a central part of Jacksonville's growing ecosystem, and we can do that by building relationships that create opportunities for our students, strengthen our faculty and research and make UNF an indispensable partner in Jacksonville's future," Shannon said. "Jessica and I are grateful for the warm welcome we have already felt, and we are eager to become part of the UNF and Jacksonville communities."

UNF Board of Trustees Chair Steve Moore said Shannon is the right leader for UNF at this moment in UNF's history.

"Mike is a natural leader who understands the power of public higher education to transform lives, just as it transformed his own, and the importance of strong community partnerships," Moore said. "He will bring a students-first mindset, a commitment to academic excellence and the experience and vision to help UNF reach even greater heights."

Shannon will lead UNF during an extraordinary time of growth and achievement, including reaching record enrollment this fall with more than 18,900 students. UNF also ranked No. 58 among the nation's public colleges and universities in TIME's inaugural America's Best Colleges 2026-27, which recognizes institutions for factors including value, student success and return on investment.

"Congratulations to the University of North Florida Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee for conducting a thoughtful and deliberative search process," said Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine. "Dr. Michael Shannon brings impressive experience in leadership as a university president, military veteran, researcher, and educator. His commitment to student success and academic excellence positions him well to build on the University of North Florida's strong momentum and continue to expand the university's impact across the state."

A first-generation college graduate, Shannon attended Embry-Riddle on an Army ROTC scholarship, an experience that changed the trajectory of his life.

After college, Shannon served as a commissioned officer for 20 years in the U.S. Army, with leadership assignments in the 82nd Airborne Division and 2nd Infantry Division. He taught physics and nuclear engineering at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and he led major research and development programs for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

After retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel, Shannon worked in small business before heading to Georgia Tech, where he served on the faculty of the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and conducted research, including leading defense-related research programs at the Georgia Tech Research Institute.

He also held several executive leadership roles at Georgia Tech, including interim executive vice president of Administration & Finance, interim chief business officer and vice president and deputy chief business officer. In his most senior role, he oversaw a $2.6 billion enterprise with nearly 22,000 employees serving approximately 46,000 students, with responsibilities spanning finance, human resources, information technology, facilities and infrastructure, capital planning, campus security and emergency response.

In 2023, Shannon became president of the University of North Georgia, a public university with more than 20,000 students. Across its five campuses, UNG reached historic enrollment, strengthened student retention, expanded academic and workforce programs and advanced major investments in STEM, health sciences, leadership development and military education. Shannon has focused on student success, institutional relevance and strong partnerships with government, industry and local communities.

The national search for UNF's next president was led by an 11-member Presidential Search Committee chaired by UNF Trustee Jack Boyle. The search was conducted in accordance with applicable state laws and Board of Governors regulations and attracted 152 applicants. The process included input from the campus community and key stakeholders to help shape the leadership profile for UNF's next president.

Shannon participated in forums and gatherings with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business leaders and other community stakeholders on campus Sept. 9 and 10. Feedback from those sessions was provided to the Board of Trustees before trustees interviewed Shannon and selected him as president-elect on Sept. 16.