Herb Byrd, vice president of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service (IPS), will retire Sept. 30 following 40 years of dedicated service to the University of Tennessee and the state.

A three-time UT alumnus, Byrd began his career with UT Extension, serving nearly three decades in communities across Tennessee as a 4-H agent, county director, and leader in agricultural and resource development. He later advanced to leadership roles within IPS and was named vice president in 2016 after serving in an interim capacity beginning in 2014.

During his tenure, Byrd played a key role in strengthening IPS’s mission to deliver training and technical assistance that improve quality of life across Tennessee. His leadership helped expand the institute’s reach and impact, including initiatives addressing critical challenges such as substance abuse and misuse.

“Herb’s career reflects the very best of the University of Tennessee’s land-grant mission,” said UT System President Randy Boyd. “His leadership, commitment to service and passion for helping others has had a lasting impact in communities across our state.”

A national search for the next vice president of IPS will launch in August. The search will include stakeholder listening sessions to gather input from key partners. An interim vice president will be appointed to lead the institute during the transition.