Dr. Sheila Stearns is a native Montanan who has served in a variety of senior administrative positions in higher education, including vice president of the University of Montana, chancellor of UM-Western, president of Wayne State College in Nebraska, and since 2003, commissioner of higher education in Montana. Her degrees are in English, history, and educational history and leadership. Her particular interests have included access to college for low-income students, and the connection between higher education and economic/workforce development. Sheila and her husband, Hal, live in Helena and frequently visit their children and grandchildren in Missoula. As her wise mother, a dedicated golfer, lamented many years ago, Sheila has let her career interfere with her golf game.
The Commissioner of Higher Education is appointed by the Board of Regents and serves as the chief executive officer of the Montana University System.
Commissioner Sheila Stearns and her staff are committed to providing quality and timely service to the Board of Regents, government entities including the executive and legislative branches, the public and the media, students and staff, and others in the education community when they request information or assistance. A team approach is used to provide prudent and professional recommendations to our constituents.
Policies and directives of the Board of Regents are communicated and implemented by the Commissioner and her staff, using the Regents' statutory and constitutional authority in an effective and professional manner. Programs assigned to the office are administered in a successful and accountable fashion.
The Commissioner's Office works to strengthen the credibility of the Montana University System in order to provide effective advocacy and provides balance between the needs and interests of the campuses and the needs and interests of the State and our students.
