Contributions to support student access at the University of Montana in remembrance of Sheila Stearns may be directed to the University of Montana Foundation by completing the form below.

You may also make your gift by mail to P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807 or by phone at 406-243-2593.

Please join us in honoring one of the UM Family's most ardent and loyal champions, and one of our state's finest leaders, Dr. Sheila Stearns.

UM's 18th president was a titan in higher education and a trailblazer. Dr. Stearns served as Montana’s commissioner of higher education from 2003 to 2011, the first woman to serve in the role. Prior to that, she was president of Wayne State College in Nebraska, chancellor of the University of Montana-Western and vice president of University Relations for UM. Additionally, she served as interim chancellor at Montana State University-Billings and as senior consultant for the national Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

Dr. Stearns received four degrees from UM, including an honorary doctorate in education in 2018. She and her husband Hal also received 2017 Governor’s Humanities Awards for their support of the humanities throughout their careers in Montana education. Dr. Stearns was a dedicated public servant to her beloved state, most recently as the chair of Montana’s Redistricting Commission.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Stearns’ service and leadership.

On Friday, June 2, 2023, an afternoon of “campfire stories” paid tribute to Dr. Stearns' remarkable life. Visit this page for additional details.

Thank you for your gift.