Invasion of Privacy: Communication Department Chair Andrew Herman
Dr. Andrew Herman is a long time member of the Geneseo campus community (Photo courtesy of Nathan Hubbard).
Since the fall semester of 2002, SUNY Geneseo has been graced by the presence of Dr. Andrew Herman. Herman serves as the Chair of Communication while teaching COMN 379, a course dedicated to preparing the major’s students for life after college and future careers. Through all his work on campus, though, he still finds time for his family and leisurely activities on days off.
Herman is from the Buffalo area and stayed there until college. His search for higher education sent him to Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1987. In 1993, Herman enrolled in Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. After four years, he earned another degree, a Master of Divinity in contemporary culture. Immediately following this, Herman returned to Northwestern where he completed his doctorate program and earned his PhD in interpersonal communication in 2005.
A few years into his doctoral studies, Herman began working at SUNY Geneseo as an instructor. He held the title for three years and was then promoted to assistant professor. Again, after three years, Herman moved up in the ranks, earning himself the title of associate professor. He has proudly held this title for over fifteen years, fourteen of which were also under the title of department chair.
Naturally, Herman can explain why he feels people should study communication. “Of course, because communication is the center of everything,” he said tongue-in-cheekily. The argument could be made that any field is the basis of everything, but Herman is quick to point out that even those arguments could not be expressed without communication. He speaks very highly of the department at Geneseo specifically, saying, “We have this interesting mix of faculty that serves the students well and gives some interesting insight into different aspects of communication.” Herman is quick to provide a glowing reference for any faculty member, often citing their achievements, such as Dr. Meredith Harrigan receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Herman’s commitment to his work cannot be questioned, as he has proved for years that he is extremely dedicated to both Geneseo and communication studies. Despite the countless hours he spends on campus, he makes sure to set aside time for himself, his personal passions, and his family. For example, this past January, Herman began playing in a steel drum band with his wife and son, further adding to his repertoire of musical ability. He is also a talented trombone player and jokes that he may serenade the graduates of 2024 with the Geneseo Alma Mater during commencement.
Those who have been lucky enough to take a class with Dr. Herman, or be given his advice during enrollment periods, know that he is extremely light-hearted with a great sense of humor. While he is great to share a laugh with, he will always provide life advice for those who will listen. When asked if he lives by any mottos, Herman quickly responded with, “Worry about the stuff you have control over, and don’t worry about the stuff you can’t control.” This is not only the advice he provides to his students, but the words he embodies. For over two decades, Dr. Andrew Herman has supplied SUNY Geneseo and its students with his expertise, dedication, and words of wisdom—all of which he is excited to continue to share with the faculty, students, and alumni still to come.