The University of North Florida (UNF) Board of Trustees on Thursday selected Michael P. Shannon as the university’s next president, pending confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
Shannon, who has served as president of the University of North Georgia since 2023, would become UNF’s eighth president. The university said its trustees selected him following a five-month national search that attracted 152 applicants.
“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.
During Shannon’s tenure, UNG has reported record enrollment, improved student retention and expanded academic and workforce programs, including initiatives in STEM, health sciences, leadership development and military education.
Shannon previously served 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. His assignments included roles in the Infantry, Signal Corps, counterproliferation, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and West Point. He later worked in small business and served as a faculty member, researcher and executive at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Shannon holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as a master’s degree in health physics and a doctorate in nuclear and radiological engineering from Georgia Tech.
UNF’s 11-member presidential search committee forwarded Shannon to trustees for consideration in August. He visited the Jacksonville campus Sept. 9 and 10 for meetings with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community leaders.
Trustees are scheduled to consider Shannon’s contract Sept. 23. His appointment would then require confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
