Montana State University held a series of events on April 6 as part of the inauguration of its 13th president, Brock F. Tessman, celebrating the university’s connections to communities and its land-grant mission.
The events highlighted MSU’s ongoing commitment to serving Montana and beyond through education, research, and outreach. As Montana’s land-grant institution, MSU operates with a focus on addressing key challenges in the state by advancing research and supporting communities according to the official website.
Tessman, accompanied by his family and university leaders, visited several locations including Three Forks Elementary School where he told students: “Our job as a university is to be here for you guys. No matter what you want to do – if you want to work with your hands in the trades, we can do that, or if you want to go into science and work as a research professor or a scientist – we can do that, too. And it will be a ton of fun.” Kristin Tessman added: “You are all welcome to campus anytime. There is lots to do and see, and it’s open to everybody.”
The group also toured MSU’s Arthur H. Post Agronomy Farm near Bozeman where they learned about ongoing agricultural research initiatives from faculty and staff. Tessman addressed attendees at the farm saying: “It’s really meaningful to be here. If you want to connect with the heart and soul of Montana State University, and with the heart and soul of Montana, there’s no better place to be than one of our farms… We can do anything we set our minds to. Anything is possible when we work hard, together.”
Later visits included time spent at the home of longtime MSU supporters Larry and Kathleen Aasheim who shared their family’s deep ties with MSU dating back generations. Larry Aasheim said: “Without the land-grant mission, I’m not sure my dad would have gone to college and met my mom.” Ron Aasheim described MSU as “the foundation” of their family while recalling how his father helped establish an iconic gate on campus symbolizing opportunity for future students.
MSU enrolls about 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. The university leads in research funding statewide with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website, ranks among the top five percent globally per Center for World University Rankings according to its official website, contributes through volunteer efforts aimed at improving lives according to its official website, provides extensive academic programs amid vast wilderness opportunities according to its official website, extends influence across Montana according to its official website, and remains committed as both an educational leader in Bozeman—and beyond.
Reflecting on these stories during his inaugural tour Tessman said: “I couldn’t imagine this day being complete without hearing some of these stories. This is the place where you can come, work hard and earn a chance at success.”