UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture Bears the Name of 4-H Alumni

The University of Tennessee announced the naming of the Herbert College of Agriculture after James L. (Jim) Herbert and his wife, Judi, made a transformational gift to the college. Their generosity will serve to enhance programs and benefit students and faculty of the former College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for generations to come.

From an early age, Jim was involved in 4-H and agriculture. He grew up on a farm in Shelby Co

unty, where he received his first calf at age 3 and started raising several calves for processing at 6 years old. He ventured into other projects throughout 4-H, including raising rabbits in the Carrot Club, before starting his own herd of livestock.

“After looking hard and long for a calf that would come within my price range and not finding any, I turned my attention to swine,” Jim wrote in his 4-H record books. “Mr. Jenkins, who was our 4-H Club Agent, agreed to sell me a duroc gilt from his farm. I named this pig ‘Polly’ after the teacher that I had that year. Being a good sport and a very young teacher, she recognized the fact that I was conferring a favor on her by so naming my pig, and she showed much interest in this namesake.”

Head, Heart, Hands, Health & Herbert

With help from his Extension agents Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Godman as well as the Bank of Commerce, he was able to procure two heifers from Oklahoma. Outside of livestock, Jim also participated in garden, forestry, personal improvement, leadership and public speaking projects. His mother was instrumental in encouraging his participation, especially in public speaking.

“If I was going to talk all the time, I certainly should learn to do it in such a way that others would not mind listening to me,” Jim wrote in his 4-H public speech.

Throughout his 4-H career, the Shelby County 4-H’er participated on the county level in several projects and events, was initiated as a Tennessee 4-H All-Star, attended State 4-H Congress in Nashville, and was named the 1957 State 4-H Public Speaking winner. After graduating from Whitehaven High School, he boarded a train for Knoxville and enrolled in the UT College of Agriculture. Jim Herbert was a first-generation college student, and that presented challenges.

He chose UT after Professor Alexander, head of the Horticulture Department, offered Jim a free place to live in exchange for watering the greenhouse. So, he moved to Knoxville with a Sears trunk and a borrowed suitcase to live in the greenhouse for two years. UT brought him new opportunities, but one of the best was meeting fellow Volunteer Judi Anderson. Jim graduated from the UT College of Agriculture with a Bachelor of Science in 1962. Judi received her degree in English in 1963, and they married soon after. They have two children, Scott and Melissa, and several grandchildren.

Herbert and 4-H Support

In addition to supporting the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) and the College of Agriculture, Judi’s desire to make certain that students who graduate from UT can write led them to sponsor the Writing Center. Jim is known for his success as founder, CEO and Executive Chairman of Neogen Corporation, which is involved in genomics, animal safety, beef cattle, food safety and more. Neogen not only protects the world’s food supply but also allows its farming customers to grow food more efficiently and effectively. He retired in 2020 after celebrating his 80th birthday.

The Herberts have resided in Lansing, Michigan, for many years, are valued members of that community and have been strong supporters of the nonprofit community there.

“The Herberts’ generosity at UT can be traced to their graduation,” says Dr. Keith Barber, past vice-chancellor of Institutional Advancement for UTIA. “Not only have they invested in UT, but in multiple other nonprofits such as their Greek organizations, Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and public schools. They worked hard, were disciplined and now are willing to share in a very impactful way.”