Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee 2024

Jim Herbert was a distinguished supporter of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the namesake of the Herbert College of Agriculture, which educates over 1,700 students. Starting at UTK, Jim was not in a financial position to join a fraternity and lived rent-free while watering plants for room and board. His lifelong commitment to the university was evident through his significant advocacy for campus improvements, including lobbying for new buildings and resources that enhance the educational experience. As a founding father of the Farmhouse fraternity chapter at UT, Jim made notable sacrifices to promote the fraternity’s growth, including securing a new chapter house and mentoring members on recruitment and leadership development. His insightful lessons on goal setting, drawn from his experience as founder and CEO of Neo-Gen Corporation from 1982 to 2020, have inspired students to exceed their expectations. Beyond his contributions to Farmhouse, Jim played a key role in advancing agricultural education in Tennessee, investing time and resources to improve programs that prepare students for successful careers. His advocacy extended to community outreach, promoting agricultural awareness and sustainability initiatives. Jim’s philanthropic efforts helped establish scholarships and funding for research initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence and community involvement among students. His influence will resonate for generations to come. He received numerous awards, including honorary doctorates from Queens University in Belfast, the University of Tennessee, and Michigan State University. In a 2018 interview, Jim reflected, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” His commitment to philanthropy was exemplified by the Herbert Herman Cancer Center in Lansing, Michigan, which he and his wife helped found. His journey led him to help establish the Farmhouse chapter in Knoxville. Jim passed peacefully in March after a lengthy battle with cancer.