Dr. Harry Herbert

hherbert@bates.edu | he/him
Assistant Dean of Admission

Dr. Harry Herbert grew up in Austin, Texas, where he dreamed of attending a big Texas University, but his college journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered the impersonal nature of large public universities. Those experiences inspired Harry to seek the challenging and supportive environment of a smaller liberal arts college. Harry attended Cornell College, where he pursued a double major in Secondary Education and Politics, excelling as a three-sport athlete in football, baseball, and lacrosse.

Harry’s professional journey has spanned over a decade in higher education, where he has worked in admission, student development, and education research. His experience as a teacher led him to pursue advanced degrees—a Master’s in Globalization and Secondary Education from Dartmouth College and a Doctorate in Education from Baylor University. These programs deepened his understanding of education systems, instructional methods, and the structural reforms necessary to support both students and educators. His academic research, including a dissertation on the career paths of children of teachers, explores themes in teaching, career theory, and education policy, aiming to address challenges in the profession. A passionate advocate for education reform, Harry is committed to improving the teaching profession and shaping policies that enhance student success in education.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Harry has traveled to over 15 countries, embracing the beauty of diverse cultures and global perspectives. He credits these experiences with broadening his understanding of how education systems and cultural contexts intersect. In his free time, Harry enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, watching sports, and immersing himself in video games.

Harry is thrilled to be at Bates College, where the unique academic structure, grounded in intellectual discovery and close student-faculty collaboration, resonates deeply with his educational philosophy. Bates’ commitment to educational access and innovation inspires him, and he is eager to contribute to the vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff that makes the college so remarkable.