“It honestly feels good to be recognized by people who are out there doing real work in the community,” Herring said. “It’s different to be awarded by the general public. (TAP) really is involved in making a positive change. It truly is an honor.”
TAP is a non-profit think tank dedicated to initiatives that benefit people and communities by supporting individuals and programs that aim for progressive social change.

Herring came to TSU in 1998 and has been a positive force for activism at the University ever since. But working with TSU is only one part of his involvement within the Nashville community.
Herring divides his time off campus between working with EarthMatters and a separate program called Kids to the Country Urban, where he takes inner-city youth to rural areas for an orientation with nature.
“The kids get to swim in a natural ‘watering hole’ and experience farm life,” Herring said. “I got a lot out of these experiences growing up in Detroit and I wanted to give that to these kids.”
The annual program takes 100 young people to Summertown, Tenn, for a program that includes nature hikes, star gazing and horseback riding.

In addition to his work as campus management, Herring also serves as the adviser to the TSU student organization, Gateway 2 Heritage. This organization serves as an outlet for students to get involved with community revitalization, environmentalism and social awareness on and off campus.
“In a time where the planet is literally crying out for attention and conservation, it is necessary for there to be people willing to work and help maintain it and protect it. I hope this award will be a rallying call for people to support the organizations being recognized,” Herring said.

For more information about how to get involved with Herring’s efforts, visit www.Earthmattersnetworks.com or call 615-252-6953 or on campus at (615) 963-5310.