Northern Michigan University (NMU) will be saying goodbye to President Brock Tessman, who is set to take the role of president at Montana State University (MSU) starting July 1. This change comes just a few months after Tessman took office at NMU in February 2023 and received a contract extension in December along with a raise in September.
Tessman previously served as deputy commissioner of higher education in Montana, overseeing 16 campuses. His departure has left NMU’s Board of Trustees, particularly Chair Steve Young, feeling a sense of disappointment. Young remarked on the bittersweet nature of hiring talented individuals, noting, “When you hire a good person, someone will eventually come knocking.” He added they did not anticipate this change happening so soon.
The board is now facing the challenge of finding an interim president. Young mentioned they are assessing candidates but did not reveal any names. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the progress on ongoing projects during this period. “There will be time for the new interim to work with Brock,” stated Young, emphasizing the importance of continuity.
In addition to securing an interim president, the board must hire a search firm for a national search to find a long-term replacement. They plan to form a search committee that will include community and campus representatives, similar to their previous process, which took about 14 months. Young is hopeful for a quicker resolution this time around.
Retention and enrollment remain top priorities for NMU. “We need to focus not just on bringing students in but on keeping them here,” Young said, underlining the challenges many universities face today. As of 2021, many U.S. institutions have struggled with enrollment figures, with a reported decline of 6.6% in overall college enrollment since 2019.
Overall, while Tessman’s departure is a significant change for NMU, the board is committed to continuing the positive direction established during his tenure. The next few months will be crucial as they seek to maintain stability and growth within the university.
For more on higher education trends, you can check resources like The National Center for Education Statistics, which provides valuable data on enrollment and retention trends.
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