Herb Byrd, III

Dr. Herb Byrd III was named UT Vice President of Public Service in January 2016, a position he held on an interim basis beginning in 2014.

Byrd received his bachelor’s degree in animal science, master’s degree in reproductive physiology, and doctorate in educational leadership, all from the University of Tennessee. 

His UT career began in 1984 as an Extension 4-H agent in Monroe County. He then worked in McMinn County for seven years in adult agriculture and resource development while serving as county director. In a two-year stint away from Extension, Herb was a vice president with Lads to Leaders, Inc., where he conducted workshops teaching adults how to teach leadership skills to youth.

After returning to UT Extension's state office in 1998, he was responsible for recruitment, personnel and civil rights and served as Extension's affirmative action and EEO officer. In addition, he directed the Extension Evaluation and Staff Development department. He was also the human resources officer for the Institute for Agriculture and served on the staff of the University of Tennessee's Leadership Institute from 1999-2019.

Byrd is co-author of THE Beef Cattle fIRM™ record-keeping software released through UT. His Extension awards include the Outstanding Young Agent, achievement, and various communication awards. For work in the community, he has received Chamber of Commerce Young Man of the Year, a McMinn County Commission Resolution of Honor and Commendation and was honored with Herb Byrd Day at the Mid-East Tennessee Regional Fair. 

Herb is an active member of the Clinton Church of Christ, is board president of Teenage Christian Camp and has worked with medical mission teams in several South and Central American countries with Latin American missions. He serves on the boards of Hillbrook Christian Association, Pathway Lending LLC, Tennessee Center for Performance Management (TNCPE) and is on the advisory panel for the UT System Executive Leadership Institute.

Byrd has been married to his wife Resa since 1981. They have three children: Kristin Cole, Heather Reeves and Resa-Marie. Herb and Resa are working hard to fulfill grandparents' duty to thoroughly spoil six grandchildren. That is reported to be his favorite job yet. He enjoys woodworking, fly fishing, tying flies, building fly rods and any other outdoor activity.