MARQUETTE, MI— NMU President Brock Tessman is heading to Montana.
Officials announced Monday Tessman will step down to become president of Montana State University, effective July 1. Located in Bozeman, MSU is a public land-grant research-1 university with about 17,000 students.
Tessman became Northern’s 17th president in February of 2023. He had previously served four years as the deputy commissioner of higher education for the 16 campuses that comprise the Montana University System. He also 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.”
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.
