President Brock Tessman invested as 13th president of Montana State University

BOZEMAN, Mont. - President Brock Tessman took office with an investiture ceremony Thursday evening, marking the official start to his term as thirteenth president of Montana State University. 

The ceremony featured performances from the Montanans choir, and a song from the Bobcat Singers, and speeches and introductions from President Tessman’s former and current colleagues. He was also presented with the presidential medallion, which is worn for certain ceremonies. 

Throughout his speech, President Tessman talked about the mission of land grant universities to educate, research, connect and innovate. 

“Let’s shift our gaze upward together and begin our next ascent with clear eyes and a deep confidence that our country needs from its land grant leader as we strive forward and make good of the promise of the grand American experiment,” he said, wrapping up his speech. 

Earlier in the day, Tessman and other university leadership, including deans and department heads, took a tour of the Gallatin Valley, in an effort to highlight the commitments referenced in his speech. 

The tour started at Three Forks elementary, where Tessman -- joined by his wife, Kristin, and their two daughters – met with fourth and fifth graders, introducing himself as the new president and finding the Bobcats in each classroom. Many of the students said they have visited MSU’s campus, whether for sporting events, education and fun at the Museum of the Rockies or to visit older siblings. Many also had parents who work on campus. 

Together they underscored the idea that MSU is for everyone. Students who are thinking about going to college once they graduate can find a career path through the university, no matter their interest, Tessman said. 

"If you want to work with your hands in the trades, we’ve got programs at MSU for that. Do you want to be a scientist and get a graduate degree and work as a professor or a research scientist for your whole life? We can do that as well. And it's also a whole lot of fun," he said. 

The tour stopped next at Arthur H. Post Research Farm, a part of the MSU Extension. The farm has property throughout Bozeman where they do work. 

Researchers and plant breeders do work to develop crops for Montana producers, explained Doug Holen, foundation seed program director. Breeders develop the crop seeds, based on traits producers need. Then the foundation seed program expands those seeds, then moves them to other seed producers to expand them further. 

"It's not easy to grow, but there's a lot of details that have to be looked after in order to obtain the foundation seed to send out," he said. 

Holen also explained they develop seeds for all different kinds of crops, and producers need different traits for each crop. 

"You get to winter wheat, of course, they're looking for wheat stem sawfly tolerance, resistance. You get to spring wheat. They're looking for protein, which is quality,” he said. “They all have their own set of characteristics that we have to aim for," Holen said. 

The last tour stop was with the Aasheim family, which has been involved with MSU for more than 100 years. Aasheim ancestors settled in Montana, explained Larry and Ron Aasheim. Their father attended MSU and later became director of the Extension office. Larry and Ron attended, as well as their kids. 

“It was the foundation of our family,” Ron said. 

The Aasheim family has been involved in shaping various aspects of the university and even have their name on one of the blue gates on Centennial Mall. 

Larry and Tessman shared some beverages and toasted the university. 

The Aasheim gate, Tessman said, is symbolic of an entry to the future for so many students who come to MSU. 

“If you want to work hard, put yourself to it and earn a chance at success, you will get it at Montana State University and you all as a family, professionally, but also as a family, demonstrate that you've lived to that and you’ve also helped provide that opportunity for many more students,” Tessman said.