Montana State University has unveiled two finalists in its search for a new president to succeed Waded Cruzado, naming Kurt Schnier, Vice Chancellor at University of California, Merced, and Brock Tessman, President at Northern Michigan University, as the top contenders. The candidates are set to visit MSU’s campus next week for interviews and community forums, with events scheduled for March 25 and 27 in the Strand Union Building.
Galen Hollenbaugh, deputy commissioner at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, stated, “Commissioner [Clayton] Christian is pleased with the work of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and is looking forward to the finalists having the opportunity to meet with the campus community and members of the public next week.”
Schnier holds advanced degrees in environmental and economic studies from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Arizona, and has previously taught at several institutions including the University of Rhode Island. Tessman earned his advanced political science degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder and has a background as a professor at the University of Georgia and University of Montana.
Cruzado, who announced her retirement last August, will conclude over 15 years as MSU’s 12th president on June 30, 2025. Her retirement note expressed gratitude for her tenure and anticipation for the next life stage.
MSU detailed extensive qualifications and responsibilities for its new leader, focusing on research advancement and strategic planning. Compensation remains undisclosed but competitive. Cruzado tops Montana’s university payroll, with a base salary of around $367,000 plus bonuses.
An advisory committee, composed of diverse MSU representatives and the Montana Board of Regents, is guiding the selection process, supported by Greenwood Asher and Associates.
Disclosure: MSU presidential finalist Brock Tessman is married to former MTFP director of development and operations and current part-time MTFP contractor Kristin Tessman. MTFP business staff do not have input into editorial coverage.
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