Northern Michigan University held a community listening session last week to gauge public opinion while they search for NMU President Brock Tessman’s successor.

Tessman announced last month that he will depart NMU in July to take on the role of President of Montana State University after a little over two years in NMU’s top job.

Tessman’s short tenure at NMU has been largely seen as a success as he seemingly stabilized NMU after a difficult period of time that saw the university dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, a contentious negotiation with its professors over a new contract and the termination of former President Fritz Erickson, whose contract was unanimously ended by the NMU Board of Trustees in Sept. 2021.

Northern’s search for a new president comes at a vital time for the university, who will be hoping to maintain its upward trajectory after the tumultuous period prior to Tessman’s arrival.

Tuesday’s event saw more than 50 campus members ranging from administrator, to professors and even students.

“It’s very important to the Board of Trustees that we provide the campus community opportunities to be engaged in our national search for a new president,” said Steve Young, Chair of the NMU Board of Trustees. “This isn’t the only chance, but it’s a great way to kick off the search before everyone gets busy with their summer activities.”

The event took place at Reynolds Recital Hall and was moderated by Parker Executive Search President Laurie Wilder. This forum will be used to provide a clear description of what the role of NMU’s president entails and needs.

“I think we have established some real momentum and a real identity for the University and you knew exactly what that was when you searched it before,” said Head of the NMU Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program and Assistant Professor, James Ludwig. “I look forward, really look forward to the candidates that you bring to us in the fall.”

Other forum attendees spoke on the importance of having a president who interacts, supports and recognizes the Native American groups on campus and in the community, as well as being interactive with the campus in a way similar to Tessman. The growing changes to academia from the Federal government was brought up as well, and the desire to have a president who can help navigate that was spoken. A lot of students could not speak at this event or attend it as it came four days after NMU’s finals week and three days after graduation. So many undergraduate and graduate students were already off campus or in the process of returning home for the summer.

We hope that NMU’s search will bear fruit and find the right individual to take the helm at NMU to help continue the university’s strong standing.