Schweitzer announced the appointment Wednesday on the UM-Western campus in Dillon. Jessen grew up in Dillon and previously attended Universal Technical Institute and the University of Utah. He works in the UM-Western admissions office, for Facilities Services and for Safe Ride at Montana Western.

At the University of Utah, Jessen worked as an orientation leader and a resident adviser. His one-year term as student regent begins July 1, 2008. He replaces Kerra Melvin of Montana Tech as the Regents' student member.