Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2025-2026 OLLI at MSU Membership
Montana State University, established in 1893, is one of more than 110 land-grant universities in the U.S. As this institution's 13th president, Brock Tessman will share his thoughts on MSU's continued growth, student and employee achievements and his thoughts on leading MSU's trajectory into the future with a new strategic plan.
Brock Tessman
Dr. Brock Tessman is the 13th president of Montana State University. He's an energetic and dedicated supporter of students and their success, and he is known for his ability to communicate the value of public higher education to America and the world, as well as his commitment to delivering better outcomes for the university and, importantly, its students.
President Tessman came to Montana State University most recently from the presidency of Northern Michigan University. Before Michigan, he gained extensive experience as a leader within the Montana University System. He served for four years as the Montana Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education, and before that, as a professor of political science and dean of the honors college within the state university system. He began his academic career at the University of Georgia, where he earned tenure as a faculty member in the School of Public and International Affairs.
President Tessman has an undergraduate honors degree in international relations from Brown University. He earned his master's in international affairs and his doctorate in political science, both from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Originally from Michigan, President Tessman was a multisport high school athlete and competed in track and field at Brown and Colorado. He continues to be an avid trail runner, a self-described board game geek and a lifelong Detroit Lions fan. His family of outdoor enthusiasts includes his wife, Kristin, and daughters, Frances and Leona.
