About
John R. Hermann is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science at Trinity University, where he has maintained a robust teaching and research career since the early 1990s. He teaches advanced courses including Senior Seminar in Political Science: Landmark Supreme Court Cases, American Politics, Judicial Process, Constitutional Law, Civil Rights and Liberties, and The Politics of Supreme Court Litigation. As Co-Director of the Political Science Department Internship Program and long-serving Chair of the Pre-Law Advisory Committee (2006-2010, 2012-present), he plays a pivotal role in student professional development and career preparation at Trinity.
Hermann's scholarly work centers on U.S. Supreme Court jurisprudence, constitutional interpretation, and civil rights. His research examines landmark cases across multiple eras of the Court, with particular expertise in First Amendment religion clauses, Native American legal issues, and civil rights litigation. He has made significant contributions to understanding how the Burger and Rehnquist Courts addressed Native American sovereignty and religious freedom. His methodology combines legal analysis with political science frameworks to reveal patterns in judicial decision-making and the evolution of constitutional interpretation.
Hermann's publications demonstrate a clear trajectory from traditional legal-political analysis of Supreme Court cases toward contemporary educational research focused on student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness. His recent work on Trinity University's Quality Enhancement Plan and Summer Bridge Program reflects his commitment to translating academic theory into practical educational solutions. This evolution shows his ability to apply political science methodologies to solve real-world institutional challenges in higher education.
- L. Tucker Gibson Teaching Award, Spring 2012
- Honored Three Times for Exemplary Teaching By Alpha Lambda Delta (Freshman Honor Society)
- Nominated for Trinity University Advising Award, 2004-2012
- Honored for Ten and Fifteen Years of Service to Trinity University in 2006 and 2011
- Member of Who's Who Among American Educators (2002-2013)
- Member of Who's Who in America (2000-2013)
- Named Most Outstanding Professor in the Department of Political Science (1995-1996)
Professor Hermann has demonstrated exceptional commitment to university service through extensive committee work including multiple Faculty Search Committees, the Faculty Development Committee across 15+ years, and leadership of the Pre-Law Advisory Committee. His advising impact extends to directing internship programs and serving on the Supreme Court Internship Committee for eight years. Beyond campus, he contributes to public discourse through media appearances, political consulting for KPOZ 1310 AM Radio, and speaking engagements with organizations like the San Antonio Jewish Federation. His scholarly service includes rigorous peer review for top political science journals and major academic publishers.
