Brock Tessman is stepping down as president of Northern Michigan University, effective July 1, to become president at Montana State University, it was announced today.
MSU, located in Bozeman, Mt., is a public land-grant research-1 university with about 17,000 students.
Tessman began as NMU's 17th president in February 2023 after serving four years as the deputy commissioner of higher education for the 16 campuses that comprise the Montana University System. He also previously worked as a faculty and administrator at the University of Montana in Missoula.
“I love Northern Michigan University, and we are headed in a terrific direction because of our stellar students and outstanding faculty and staff, and the connection we have to communities across the Upper Peninsula. We are doing amazing learning, teaching, and work here every day,” said Tessman. “My family and I love Marquette and the Upper Peninsula. We couldn't feel more welcome here. It truly is with mixed feelings that we are pursuing this unexpected opportunity to return to Montana, but our ties there make this move something we felt we needed to pursue.”
During his time at NMU, Tessman helped the University develop new mission and vision statements and a new strategic plan. Tessman said this year's 125th Anniversary Celebration, the NMU vs. Michigan State basketball game in the Superior Dome, the “flash mob” performance at the May 2023 Commencement, and annual April celebrations of faculty staff and student excellence were among his favorite events as Northern's president. Beyond any single event, he notes that his biggest privilege has been the “opportunity to spend time almost every day talking with Northern students about their experiences at NMU and their hopes for the future.”
Steve Young, chair of the NMU Board of Trustees, said, “When we hired Brock Tessman two years ago, we knew we were making an excellent choice. Over the past two years, we have seen increased collaboration and improved communications across our stakeholders. We've had positive upticks in enrollment and retention. When you give people the opportunity to shine, this is a natural outcome.
“Brock has placed NMU in a great position,” Young said. “We wish Brock and his family all the best as he moves on to Montana State University. His departure does not change NMU's commitment to its faculty, staff and students. NMU has a bright future ahead and the Board of Trustees remains steadfast in its goal to provide a world-class learning environment.”
Young added the board will now begin working on appointing an interim president and activating a national presidential search.
“We hope to be able to name the interim president and share details about the selection of an executive search firm, projected search timeline and search committee in the coming weeks,” he said.
Rick Mengyan, president of NMU-AAUP/AFT faculty union said, "We appreciate President Tessman's positive impact on our campus and community and wish him and his family all the best in the next step of their journey. We remain committed to close collaboration with our Board of Trustees, fellow faculty and staff to foster a healthy working environment while continuing to provide and develop excellent educational programs and opportunities for our students and the broader community."
Tessman officially begins his duties at Montana State on July 15.