NMU presidential candidate speaks to community, alumni: Tessman 2nd finalist to appear at a reception
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MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University presidential candidate Dr. Brock Tessman spoke to alumni and area residents on Monday.
The reception started with Tessman giving a short introduction of himself before shifting into a "meet and greet."
During his speech, he focused on the identity of NMU and the potential role the university can play both in the state and nationwide.
"It is not an exaggeration to say that the world of public education, the 'public' part in particular, is a critical part of American democracy," Tessman said. "It plays a tremendous role, perhaps the greatest driver of economic and social mobility (and) the pursuit of individual opportunity. I think this place can show the way for Michigan, maybe outmaneuver (and) outclass some of those lumbering behemoths downstate, wherever they may be, whoever they may be."
Tessman is the current deputy commissioner of higher education in the Montana University system.
That board of trustees oversees the entire state's university system, which consists of 16 campuses and more than 45,000 students.
"I think you've seen a lot of rural communities across the country lose their identity and part of what made them special in a kind of all-out pursuit of economic development (and) demographic growth," Tessman said. "I think the real kind of golden prize is using technology -- being creative and innovative so that you're able to leverage some of the things that give rural communities an advantage and attract new families, new workers, new business and capital without having those communities lose their identity or be sucked into the nearest metropolitan magnet. I think an important role of a campus like NMU is to make sure that as much talent, innovation and, let's face it, capital is developed here and stays here so that it's not sent to Detroit, Milwaukee, (or) Green Bay -- all things that will have to be tackled as someone learns a little bit more about the role. But I think that's a big part of the job."
The community and alumni reception was one of four meetings Tessman attended.
He is one of four presidential candidates who are visiting campus.
The full NMU Board of Trustees will interview the candidates on Monday.
For more information, visit nmu.edu/boardoftrustees/presidential-search.
Brennan White can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is bwhite@miningjournal.net.