Professor emeritus JoAnne Herman has worked at the College of Nursing for 30 years and currently serves as a scholarship consultant for clinical faculty. She mentors faculty by assisting with the writing of abstracts for presentations and manuscripts in the faculty members’ areas of expertise.

Legally blind, Herman uses a guide dog, Tella, for day to day activities. “I would like to thank the College of Nursing faculty and staff for supporting me as my vision failed,” Herman says. “They accepted my guide dogs into everyday routine, and that has meant the world to me.”

Helping others has become her passion which is why she volunteers at Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS). She serves on a client committee that reviews applications and conducts home visits for the final decision of clients benefiting from service animals. Their largest number of clients are soldiers returning from Afghanistan with brain-related injuries and PTSD. Herman says, “These animals are life savers.” She has also taught stress management classes on a volunteer basis at the Palmetto Health Richland Cardiac Rehab Clinic since 1992.

Herman was the inaugural recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award and recognized at the Scholar/Donor and Award Recognition Luncheon for her volunteerism and service to the College of Nursing. She and her husband have also established the JoAnne Herman and Wayne W. Herman DNP Endowed Fellowship Fund, which will be awarded to a graduate doctoral student based on need.