Steven T. Herbert, Ph.D. has assumed his new position as the dean of the graduate school and associate provost for academic affairs at Xavier University. “When this opportunity came up, it was an opportunity for me to serve at a higher learning level… and for more of my colleagues,” Herbert, who has worked at Xavier for 18 years, said. His new position, assigned by Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Scott A. Chadwick, PhD, became effective July 25.
As the provost, he works with enhancing the online learning
program, overseeing grants for different Xavier programs including the Midwest Manatee Research Project and other programs which are more “behind the scenes.” Another program that is important to Herbert is the Student Engaged Learning program. “We want our academics, our learning, to do something,” Herbert said. He wants students to learn from the local community through their education here at Xavier. As the dean, he plans to unite the different divisions of the graduate school programs. “We needed someone to give the graduate students a voice,” Herbert said.
Herbert wants to “make the graduate student experience
more cohesive”. As valedictorian, he received his bachelor’s from Xavier in 1984 with a degree in physics and math, summa cum laude. He earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in physics in 1993. Herbert began his career at
Xavier as an adjunct professor of physics in 1995. In 2005,
Herbert became the chair of the physics department for the next seven years. During his employment at Xavier, Herbert has served on numerous university committees and received more than $1 million in grant funding.
Since accepting his new position, Herbert will not be teaching in the classroom anymore. Teaching is his first love, so he has admitted that he would love to go back to teaching at Xavier again after his position is fulfilled. In his spare time, he plays softball, reads science fiction and hikes with his four sons. He also loves to learn.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025