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Adam Herbert
Adam Herbert.png
Herbert in 2005
17th President of Indiana University
In office
2003–2007
Preceded by Myles Brand
Succeeded by Michael McRobbie
6th Chancellor of the State University System of Florida
In office
1998–2001
Preceded by Charles B. Reed
Succeeded by Judy Hample
3rd President of University of North Florida
In office
1989–1998
Preceded by Curtis L. McCray
Succeeded by Anne H. Hopkins
Personal details
Born (1943-12-01) December 1, 1943 (age 81)
Muskogee, Oklahoma
Alma mater USC
University of Pittsburgh
Profession Academic Administrator
Scientific career
Institutions
Thesis Municipal charter reform: The Los Angeles experience from a minority group perspective (1971)
Doctoral advisor Joseph A. James
Other academic advisors David Mars

Adam William Herbert, Jr. (born December 1, 1943) is an American who used to lead universities. He was the president of the University of North Florida from 1989 to 1998. He also served as chancellor of the State University System of Florida from 1998 to 2001. Later, he became president of Indiana University from 2003 to 2007. He was the first African-American to hold the chancellor and Indiana University president roles. He retired from Indiana University in 2007. Michael McRobbie took over his position.

Early Life and Education

Adam Herbert was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He and his sister, Tamashia Buckner, were raised by their mother, Addie Hibler Herbert. His mother was a teacher and librarian. She had a big influence on him. Herbert attended Manual Training High School. He often called his mother his personal hero.

Herbert went to the University of Southern California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1966. In 1968, he received a Master of Public Administration degree. He continued his studies at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1971, he earned his Ph.D. in urban affairs and public administration.

Career in Academia and Florida Service

Adam Herbert
Herbert at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1998

Adam Herbert started his teaching career at the University of Southern California. He worked in the School of Public Administration. In 1972, he became a professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He also taught at other universities. These included the University of North Florida and Florida International University. He was also a dean and vice president at Florida International University.

Herbert was chosen as one of 15 White House Fellows in 1974. This was during the Ford Administration. He worked as a special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. After this, he helped the U.S. Undersecretary of Housing and Urban Development. He also directed research for the Joint Center for Political Studies.

Herbert led the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. He was also part of the Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. He chaired the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division II Presidents Council. In 1993, he chaired the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission.

Leading the University of North Florida

Adam Herbert became the third president of the University of North Florida in 1989. He served in this role until 1998. Under his leadership, the university grew a lot. Student numbers went over 10,000 by 1995. He also helped the university get more private funding. This was in addition to state money.

During his time as UNF president, he helped bring a National Football League team to Jacksonville. He was co-chair of the "NFL Now" initiative.

Chancellor of Florida's University System

From 1998 to 2000, Herbert was the sixth chancellor of the State University System of Florida. This is one of the largest university systems in America. As chancellor, he worked to improve academic quality. He also helped expand university campuses. He aimed to create a supportive learning environment.

After his time as chancellor, he returned to UNF in 2000. He became the founding executive director of The Florida Center for Public Policy and Leadership. This center showed his strong interest in public service.

Adam W. Herbert University Center

In October 2013, a community center at UNF was named after Dr. Herbert. It is called the Adam W. Herbert University Center. This honored his idea to build a place for both the university and the community.

The University Center opened in 1999. It has hosted over 54,000 activities. More than 2.2 million visitors have come through its doors. For many, this was their first time seeing UNF. This helped raise the university's profile in the community.

Herbert believed that if you build a good facility, people will use it. Construction of the 95,000-square-foot building began in 1997. It was ready for its grand opening in February 1999. Herbert often visits the center for events today.

Leadership at Indiana University

Mike Sodrel and Adam Herbert
Herbert with Congressman Mike Sodrel in 2005

On June 6, 2003, Adam Herbert was chosen as the 17th president of Indiana University. His term started on August 1, 2003. He led the university's eight campuses until 2007.

One of his main goals was to make each campus special. He wanted the main Bloomington campus to be more selective. It would focus on educating future professionals and researchers. The other campuses would focus on training the workforce.

Herbert oversaw many important changes. These included improvements in teaching and research. Under his leadership, the university received over $1.7 billion in research grants. He also started the Indiana Life Sciences Initiative. This aimed to make IU a top center for life sciences research.

He helped each campus become more focused on its strengths. He also improved IU's connections with community colleges. He changed the university's administration for the first time in 30 years. He also expanded university buildings. Over 3 million square feet of facilities were built or renovated.

Herbert also worked hard to raise money for student financial aid. He strongly supported diversity among students and staff. He encouraged each campus to set goals for diversity.

A major achievement during his time at IU was the "Hoosier Presidential Scholars" program. This started in 2005. After he announced his retirement, the scholarship was renamed. It is now called the "Herbert Presidential Scholars Program."

After Indiana University

After retiring, Adam Herbert and his wife Karen moved back to Jacksonville. He later served on the team for Jacksonville's Mayor-elect, Alvin Brown.

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