A new name for their college greeted students studying agricultural sciences and natural resources as they arrived on campus this fall. In June, the UT Board of Trustees formally announced the new Herbert College of Agriculture, which is named for distinguished alumni Jim and Judi Herbert. Jim Herbert is co-founder and executive chairman of Neogen Corporation, an international food-safety company headquartered in Lansing, Michigan.
The Herbert College of Agriculture is the third named college in the University of Tennessee’s 224-year history and only the second land-grant agricultural college in the nation named from a philanthropic gift.
Judi Herbert explains their philosophy of giving: “Jim loves to say that, to whom much is given, much is expected, and it’s a mantra by which we live. The University of Tennessee is where many of our family members have called home, so it was only natural to reinvest in this special place.”
“This gift will be among the most transformative in the university’s history,” UT President Joe DiPietro says. “It will elevate the college into an elite group of the very best public, land-grant colleges of agriculture in the nation.”
The gift’s purpose is to attract, retain and support students and faculty, and provide best-in-class educational experiences through the Herbert College of Agriculture.
The college has enjoyed record-setting growth during the past five years, with more than 1,700 students now enrolled.
In 2018, UTIA is celebrating 50 years of excellence in providing real-life solutions through teaching, discovery and service. The Herberts’ seminal gift sets the stage for success for the state’s agricultural and natural resources students for the next 50 years and beyond.
Tweets from Herbert Scholars
“I’m proud to represent the newly named Herbert College of Agriculture. As a Herbert Scholar, I’ve been spending my summer at the training facilities of @NYCFC. Thank you, Jim and Judi Herbert for making these opportunities possible for @UTKnoxville students.” #HerbertIsHere
#HerbertIsHere“I’m a design intern at Carolina Landscape in Charleston, and I’m grateful to be a Herbert Scholar!
Thanks to the generosity of Jim and Judi Herbert, I’m able to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m proud to be a student in the Herbert College of Agriculture!”
“As a proud Herbert Scholar, I am working at Tractor Supply Company in Brentwood, TN as their Omni-Channel intern learning about the world of e-commerce. I am so grateful for the help that the Herbert’s have provided for me and my educational pursuits.” #HerbertIsHere