James Herman
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs Department of Veterinary Physiology & PharmacologyResearch and Scholarly Interests
TEACHING — Primary areas of interest in teaching include problem-based learning, development of creative thinking and problem solving capabilities, production of interactive multi-media programs for autotutorial.
Biography
As a recent graduate of Texas A&M with his DVM, Dr. James D. Herman left College Station to practice in San Antonio. In practice, he found he spent more time explaining what was happening with people’s animals than actually treating them. When the opportunity arose for James to return to Texas A&M to further his veterinary training, it also required him to teach courses. While he enjoyed working with animals, he found he had an aptitude for explaining things to students. Through teaching, he realized that he could have a bigger impact on the health of humans and animals than he could as a solo practitioner. He joined the VMBS faculty as an Instructor in Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology (VTPP) in 1996. Herman has won several major teaching awards, including the Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Awards for Teaching Excellence—both at the College and University levels. In May 2016, he earned the title of Presidential Professor of Teaching Excellence. In 2024, he became the VMBS Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. He has served as the Chair of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, on the Faculty and Student Advisory Board of the Center for Teaching Excellence, as a member of the Aggie Honor Council, and as a faculty advisor for student organizations. Because of his love for the outdoors and backpacking, he also volunteered as a local Scout Leader. Herman and his wife have three children.
Education
- DVM, Texas A&M University, May 1989
- PhD., Veterinary Physiology, Texas A&M University, August 1995
- M.S., Educational Psychology, Measurement and Assessment, Texas A&M University, May 2001
Awards
- Presidential Professor of Teaching Excellence, May 2016
- Bridges Award for Teaching and Service, Spring 2012
- Teaching Excellence Award, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Spring 2010
- Gamma Sigma Delta, Outstanding Teacher in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Spring 2010
- Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement in Teaching at the University Level, Spring 2008
- Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement in Teaching at the College Level, Fall 2006
- Center for Teaching Excellence, Montague Scholar, 2004 – 2005
- Golden Key Honor Society, Honorary Member, Fall 2000
- Outstanding Professor, Biomedical Sciences Teaching Award, December 1999
- Kappa Delta Pi, Education Honor Society, Spring 1999
- Camp Herman, Fish Camp Namesake, Summer 1998
- Richard Davis Teaching Award for Outstanding Promise as a Young Faculty Member, Spring 1997
- Education
- Physiology
- Assessment
- Outcomes
- Evaluation
- Teaching
- Learning
- Performance Evaluation
Current research involves both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of learning and understanding in undergraduate research experiences as well as assessment of attitudes toward science. Additional research looks at the effectiveness of specific pedagogical techniques and tools on achieving learning outcomes.
James Herman is accepting trainees of these groups:
- Non-Thesis Masters
- Undergraduate Scholars
Brumbaugh GW, Herman JD, Clancy JS, Burden KI, Barry T, Simpson RB, López HS (2002). Effect of tilmicosin on chemotactic, phagocytic, and bactericidal activities of bovine and porcine alveolar macrophages. AM J VET RES. 1, 36-41