For Brock Tessman, a candidate for the presidential position at Lewis-Clark State College, the school's unique position within public education is what gets him excited about the potential to become its leader.

Tessman, the current dean of the Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana, spoke to various stakeholder groups Tuesday as the second round of this week's open forums took place.

"This institution has bought itself some breathing room," Tessman told staff members of LCSC.

That allows the college to think proactively and assertively about its next steps.

"We have the ability to move faster, to move more as a team and to move in more innovative ways than an institution that is a bit more bogged down in legacy, in complexity and in bureaucracy," he said.

Born in Detroit, Tessman later moved to California, where his mother, Deirdre, helped form his perspective on life and higher education. It was his mother's professional trajectory that helped establish his hard work ethic.

"One thing that doesn't happen is I don't get tired," Tessman said, adding it's important to have someone who is energized about the work that lies ahead. "That matters for you all and that will make a difference for you all. ... That's a particular point of pride: I'll bring it every single day."

As a tenured professor at the University of Georgia, where he got his start in academia, Tessman said he was a successful researcher and scholar. But he realized he was missing something. The students he taught became more homogenous and came largely from advantaged backgrounds.

He decided to commit himself to work with students from various demographics and a wide range of interests, which brought him to the University of Montana.

Tessman wants to make sure he maintains an interaction with students, so he said he'd be willing to teach a class at LCSC after his first year in the presidential role.

"If you lose that connection with the students you are leading, you have lost well over half the battle," Tessman said. "I want to maintain that as part of my core identity."

His leadership style focuses on collaboration with others, but he said he's able to make tough decisions when the time comes.

He fielded questions that ranged from how he viewed online learning, his thoughts on internationalization, and the best strategies to retain students.

As one of five finalists, he also was quizzed on how successful he'd be in obtaining additional funding for staff and programs from the state.

Tessman said that is among his strengths.

"(It) requires fierce advocacy in Boise and on the phone and around the state," he said. "You are not going to find, in my opinion, a better advocate or a more energetic advocate than this guy on stage."

Tessman said he believes in the mission of LCSC and is ready to tackle the challenges and possibilities ahead.

"I think that opportunity to be here for the next chapter and the LCSC story is so invigorating."

He discussed the importance of the family-centered atmosphere at LCSC, a tradition he wants to continue with his wife, Kristin, and their two daughters.

Tessman is the second of five candidates to visit the LCSC campus this week. The finalists will later be interviewed by the Idaho State Board of Education on April 3. The person selected will replace current president Anthony Fernandez, who will retire in June.

Upcoming forums

Today, Cynthia Pemberton: 11 to 11:45 a.m. meeting with staff in TCC room of library; noon to 12:45 p.m. meeting with students in Silverthorne Theater; 4:15 to 5 p.m. meeting with faculty in Silverthorne Theater; 5:30-6:30 p.m. meeting with community in Room 112 of Sacajawea Hall.

Thursday, Graydon Stanley: 11 to 11:45 a.m. meeting with staff in Silverthorne Theater; noon to 12:45 p.m. meeting with students in Room 115 of Sacajawea Hall; 4:15 to 5 p.m. meeting with faculty in Silverthorne Theater; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. meeting with community in Room 112 of Sacajawea Hall.

Friday, Kristin Poppo: 11 to 11:45 a.m. meeting with staff in Silverthorne Theater; noon to 12:45 p.m. meeting with students in Silverthorne Theater; 4:15 to 5 p.m. meeting with faculty in Silverthorne Theater; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. meeting with community in Silverthorne Theater.

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Tomtas may be contacted at jtomtas@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2294.