The Montana Board of Regents has announced that it has extended an offer to Dr. Brock Tessman to become the 13th president of Montana State University (MSU). Dr. Tessman has verbally accepted the position and is set to assume office on July 1, 2025, pending final employment contract negotiations and formal approval by the Board of Regents at its May meeting.
This decision is a significant milestone in a process that began in August 2024, when current MSU President Waded Cruzado announced her plans to retire after 15 years of transformative leadership. Her administration has left an indelible mark on the university and the MSU community.
“As a proud MSU alumnus and member of the Search Advisory Committee, I knew our charge was not to replace President Cruzado, but to identify a successor who could lead the institution into the future with the same level of passion and dedication,” said Regent Dean Folkvord. “I think we succeeded, and I look forward to working with Dr. Tessman as he takes the reins.”
Dr. Tessman brings a wealth of experience and vision to his new role. Currently serving as the 17th president of Northern Michigan University (NMU), he has led numerous successful initiatives since assuming the position in February 2023. His accomplishments include steady enrollment growth at both undergraduate and graduate levels, record retention rates (78%), financial stability with top-tier bond ratings, unprecedented levels of private giving, and the completion of major capital projects. Dr. Tessman’s stewardship has fostered positive momentum across all aspects of university operations.
Prior to his presidency at NMU, Dr. Tessman held several prominent roles within higher education, including Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs in the Montana University System and Dean of the Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana. He earned his bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brown University and both his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Dr. Tessman is known for his energy, dedication to students, strong communication skills, and ability to deliver results—qualities that make him uniquely suited to lead MSU into its next chapter.
“Montana State University holds a special place in my heart given my previous work within the Montana University System,” Dr. Tessman said. “I am honored by this opportunity to serve as MSU’s next president and look forward to building on its incredible legacy.”
Clayton Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education and chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, said “The Committee was fortunate to see intense interest in the position. I’m grateful to the members of the committee for their time, attention, and thoughtful dedication to the search process. I’m confident the process has yielded an outstanding, visionary leader in Dr. Tessman. We believe Dr. Tessman is exceptionally well positioned to guide MSU to new heights.”
The Board of Regents and Commissioner Christian welcome Dr. Tessman back to Montana and to Bozeman at the helm of MSU.
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MT University System
