Dr. Brock Tessman to succeed outgoing Waded Cruzado
EBS STAFF
On Monday, April 7, Montana State University announced it had extended an offer to Dr. Brock Tessman to lead the university, succeeding MSU President Waded Cruzado after 15 years of her “transformative” leadership.
Tessman verbally accepted the position with a July 1 start date, according to a news release from the university. He currently serves as the president of Northern Michigan University, a position he’s held since February 2023, with steady enrollment growth, record retention rates, financial stability, “unprecedented” levels of private giving and capital project completion to show for it.
The release noted Cruzado’s administration “has left an indelible mark on the university and the MSU community,” and the search committee did not intend to replace her impact, but to find a successor with the same level of passion and dedication.
“I think we succeeded, and I look forward to working with Dr. Tessman as he takes the reins,” search committee member Regent Dean Folkvord stated in the release.
Clayton Christian, commissioner of higher education and chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, called Tessman “an outstanding, visionary leader.”
“We believe Dr. Tessman is exceptionally well positioned to guide MSU to new heights,” Christian stated.
Tessman brings past experience in Montana, including roles as 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, according to the release.
“Montana State University holds a special place in my heart given my previous work within the Montana University System,” Tessman stated. “I am honored by this opportunity to serve as MSU’s next president and look forward to building on its incredible legacy.”
