Montana’s larger schooling neighborhood is mourning the lack of Dr. Sheila Stearns, a pathfinder and large within the subject. Dr. Stearns, who achieved quite a few milestones, together with being the primary girl to carry the place of Montana’s commissioner of upper schooling, handed away on May 23, 2023, following a quick sickness whereas visiting household in Flagstaff, Arizona. Let us look again on the life and profession of this outstanding girl. Keep studying extra.
Who was Sheila Stearns?
Born on September 5, 1941, in Missoula, Montana, Sheila Stearns earned her bachelor’s diploma in English from Whitman College and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Colorado. In 1964, she married the love of her life, James (Jim) Stearns, and collectively they’ve three kids.
Dr. Stearns’ profession as a frontrunner in larger schooling spanned over 4 a long time. She started her management journey as vp for college relations on the University of Montana, serving in that function for 10 years earlier than changing into the University of Montana-Western’s chancellor in 1987. Under her management, Montana-Western flourished, incomes nationwide recognition.
In 1990, Dr. Stearns was appointed because the tenth president of Wayne State College in Nebraska, changing into the establishment’s first feminine president and remodeling it right into a cutting-edge, technology-driven establishment. Ten years later, she was appointed as Montana’s commissioner of upper schooling, changing into the primary girl to carry that place.
During her time as commissioner, she targeted on rising entry to larger schooling for all Montanans, elevating academic requirements, and creating a stronger relationship between Montana’s larger schooling establishments and the state’s industries. She was additionally a powerful advocate for scholar monetary help.
In 2007, Dr. Stearns served as interim chancellor at Montana State University-Billings, the place she efficiently led the establishment by way of a difficult price range state of affairs. Following her time as commissioner, she continued to serve larger schooling as a senior advisor for the National Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.
How did Sheila Stearns die? What was the reason for her demise?
Montana larger schooling and the neighborhood at giant are mourning the lack of Dr. Sheila Stearns, who handed away on May 23, 2023, following a quick sickness. Her legacy will undoubtedly reside on, as she touched the lives of numerous college students and educators all through her spectacular profession. While the precise explanation for Dr. Stearns’ passing has but to be revealed, her loss leaves a deep unhappiness within the hearts of those that knew her and acknowledges her many accomplishments.
Dr. Sheila Stearns Obituary
Dr. Sheila Stearns’ legacy as a pioneer for Montana’s larger schooling will reside on ceaselessly. Her management and imaginative and prescient will proceed to affect the upper schooling panorama of Montana and past. Her passing is a good loss, however her influence will endure by way of the scholars she impressed, the careers she launched, and the establishments she reworked. Rest in peace, Dr. Stearns, and thanks on your lifetime of service to Montana’s larger schooling.
Tributes Pours Dr. Sheila Stearns
Paul Tuss
Many of us misplaced a really pricey pal at the moment in Sheila Stearns. From my days almost 40 years in the past as an undergraduate on the University of Montana throughout her tenure as Director of the Alumni Association, to her 12 months as President of UM after I was Chair of the Board of Regents, she was all the time on the forefront of doing unbelievable issues and serving her native state with grace and intelligence. Prayers to Hal and the Stearns household. You will likely be missed ceaselessly, Sheila.
Bruce Sayler
Sorry for this information. Sheila all the time had time for my inquiries and discussions, remained courteous and respectful even once we had been in disagreement on some issues. I believe she was a powerful chief and her loss will likely be felt. I really want her peaceable relaxation.
Dr. Stearns was broadly revered and admired by colleagues, college students, and alumni for her visionary management, humility, and fervour for schooling. Her many honors embrace the Montana University System’s Distinguished Service Award, the University of Montana’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Citizen Times Award from the Montana Historical Society.
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