Yellowstone Times

The Montana State University (MSU) Presidential Search Advisory Committee has announced the campus visits of two finalists for the university's presidency. The community and public are invited to participate in these events, which will include open forums and receptions.

The first candidate, Dr. Kurt Schnier, is scheduled to visit on March 25-26, 2025. His visit will feature an open forum in the Student Union Ballrooms from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on March 25, followed by a community reception at the same location. Dr. Schnier currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Planning and Budget and Chief Financial Officer at the University of California, Merced. He has been a Professor of Economics there since 2014. His academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Management Sciences from the University of California at San Diego, a master's degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate in Economics from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Brock Tessman is the second finalist and will visit MSU on March 27-28, 2025. His schedule mirrors that of Dr. Schnier with an open forum on March 27 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception in the Student Union Ballrooms. Dr. Tessman is currently President of Northern Michigan University (NMU). His previous roles include positions as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia’s Department of International Affairs, Professor at the University of Montana Political Science Department, and Dean of UM’s Davidson Honors College. He holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Brown University and both a master's degree and doctorate in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The committee invites all interested parties to attend these sessions to engage with both candidates.

For further details about the search process or to ask questions, individuals can visit the presidential search website or contact msupresidentialsearch@montana.edu.