Montana's Quality Higher Education System

System Office

Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns

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.