Dr. Tom Herman was honoured by his campus colleagues on June 17, 2014 for his 36-year career at Acadia as an outstanding teacher, accomplished and well-respected researcher, and compassionate academic administrator. Tom will step down from his position as Vice-President Academic on June 30 and will retire in 2015.

Tom’s career at Acadia began in 1978 with a short-term contract to teach in Acadia’s Biology Department that led not only to a permanent position, but to various roles that included terms as Department Head, faculty representative on the Board of Governors, and Acting University President. Tom’s ability and enthusiasm for engaging students made him popular both in the classroom and with his departmental colleagues who share his passion for teaching. Over the course of his career, Tom has supervised more than 100 Honours and Graduate students and has been responsible for launching the careers of numerous highly-regarded academics and industry professionals.

Tom has been widely recognized by his fellow academics for his work studying endangered and at-risk populations and has been distinguished by numerous organizations for his commitment to preserving these species as well as important and potentially threatened wildlife habitat. Nova Scotia’s Blanding’s Turtle population has been a particular focus of Tom’s and, through his work and that of many of his students, he has created significant public awareness and citizen participation in protecting this endangered species.

Faculty, staff and student speakers were unanimous in citing their respect for Tom’s genuine interest in student success, his devotion to Acadia and his personal loyalty and integrity.  Without exception, they urged him to reconsider his decision to retire. A small reception was held in the Raddall Wing of Acadia’s Biology Building, where approximately 100 current and retired faculty, staff and students wished Tom and his wife, Kathleen Fuller, a long and very enjoyable retirement.