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SWAG视频 President Herbert
James D. Herbert, Ph.D. is the sixth president of the SWAG视频 (SWAG视频), having assumed the role in July 2017. Since joining SWAG视频, President Herbert has been instrumental in shaping the University鈥檚 strategic direction, focusing on the core mission to enhance the health of individuals, communities, and the natural world. Under his leadership, SWAG视频 has seen growth in academic and research programs, the expansion of new facilities, and the formation of key external partnerships. Herbert is a strong advocate for experiential learning, promoting a dynamic educational model that integrates active classroom instruction with hands-on experiences.
One of Herbert鈥檚 most significant contributions is the development and implementation of Our World, Our Future: Strategic Plan 2018鈥2023. Through a broad, redefined perspective on health, this comprehensive strategy prioritizes an interdisciplinary approach to addressing global challenges, particularly those related to public health, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. The plan鈥檚 successful implementation has led to a refresh through 2029.
Herbert has overseen the establishment of SWAG视频鈥檚 College of Business, Honors College, and Schools of Nursing, Marine and Environmental Programs, and Computer Science and Data Analytics, consolidating SWAG视频鈥檚 strengths in these areas and opening up new programs of study for students that address critical workforce shortages in Maine and nationwide. His leadership has also brought to life initiatives such as SWAG视频 North: The Center for North Atlantic Studies, along with interdisciplinary centers focused on aging, public health, health education, and biomedical research.
In addition to fostering institutional growth, Herbert launched The President鈥檚 Forum, a series designed to engage the SWAG视频 community in constructive dialogue on divisive societal issues. This initiative reflects Herbert鈥檚 commitment to promoting the university as the ultimate marketplace of ideas, where rigorous debate and diverse viewpoints are encouraged.
Before joining SWAG视频, Herbert had a renowned career at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he served in various leadership roles, including executive vice provost, dean of the Graduate College, and interim provost. He is also an internationally recognized expert in psychology, particularly in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, and is widely known for his work on combating pseudoscience in mental health. His scholarly contributions include over 170 publications, and his book, 鈥淎cceptance and Mindfulness in Cognitive Behavior Therapy,鈥 received endorsement from the Dalai Lama for its impactful approach to mental well-being.
Herbert holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.