MARQUETTE, MI— NMU President Brock Tessman gave his first convocation Wednesday to welcome faculty, staff, and students to the 2023-24 school year.
The theme of his address was “Orientation”—both his own and the university’s.
Tessman said Northern can do better with respect to student success, as too many students don’t reach the finish line. He said the systems the school has in place, including administrative and leadership structures, can be refined and improved.
“This will serve as our central goal in the years ahead: promoting student success, narrowing equity gaps so every student has a genuine opportunity to succeed.”
Tessman noted this year’s class is one of the largest incoming classes in recent years, and Northern’s enrollment budget is on solid ground.
He said this year, NMU will commit to wellbeing through the Okanagan Charter, will improve communication with the community and on campus through a new “University Assembly,” and will update the school’s long-term strategic plan.
Next year, Northern celebrates 125 years.
