Leadership in Education
Educational Leadership Scholarship Honors Sheila and Hal Stearns
A new UM scholarship honors the distinguished careers and the extraordinary impact of Sheila and Hal Stearns’ shared commitment to education, leadership and uplifting the lives of others.
Dr. Sheila Stearns dedicated her career to higher education, including serving as Montana’s commissioner of higher education from 2003 to 2011. Dr. Hal Stearns has been a UM champion and dedicated public servant for more than 40 years. The Sheila and Hal Stearns Educational Leadership Scholarship endowment provides scholarships to graduate students pursuing educational leadership credentials at the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education.
Sheila, who died in 2023 at the age of 76, was one of UM’s most ardent and loyal supporters. A four-time UM alumnus, she served as the University’s 18th president from 2016 to 2018. Her career also included posts as President of Wayne State College in Nebraska, Chancellor of UM Western in Dillon, and UM Vice President and Alumni Director in Missoula.
Hal’s esteemed career with the Montana Army National Guard began in 1963 and culminated with a promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. He has inspired students in high school and university classrooms and led initiatives and programs across multiple educational institutions in Montana.
"A titan in higher education, Sheila was also a trailblazer. She served as Montana’s commissioner of higher education from 2003 to 2011, the first woman to serve in the role."
-- UM President Seth Bodnar
How to Help
The new scholarship endowment is funded through a combination of gifts from the Stearns family along with gifts made by family and friends in memory of Sheila. To give, visit www.SupportUM.org/give and designate your gift to the Sheila and Hal Stearns Educational Leadership Scholarship.