KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Jim Herbert, a philanthropist and key donor to his alma mater of the University of Tennessee, died on March 16, according to the University of Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
The department announced his death on March 18 and said Herbert was the namesake of the Herbert College of Agriculture. He passed away at 83 years old.
"With loving care, James L. Herbert (’62) sowed seeds of generosity that continue to grow and impact Volunteers across the University of Tennessee," the department said.
The College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources was renamed after him and his wife following a "transformational gift that has ensured generations to come will be able to receive an unsurpassed agricultural education," said the department.
"They also support agricultural research and extension services as well as the Herbert Scholars Program, which provides financial assistance to undergraduates from the college for summer experiential learning opportunities outside of Knoxville," UT said.
Herbert was a Memphis native who came to the university to study agriculture, where he worked for a greenhouse on campus and eventually met his wife, Judi. He graduated in 1962 with a degree in animal husbandry and later co-founded the biotechnology company, Neogen, which focused on "rapid diagnostic testing and products for food and animal safety, which helps protect the world’s food supply chain," according to the college.
UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver called Herbert an “outstanding ambassador for the use of technology to improve lives.”
“We will miss his energy, tireless support of agriculture and friendly spirit,” Carver said.
