Sherman will transition from his presidentially appointed position in the Department of Defense to lead the Bush School beginning Aug. 1
Proving the adage that “Once an Aggie, always an Aggie,” John B. Sherman ’92 has returned to Texas A&M University after graduating over 30 years ago and perfecting his craft as a statesman to become the new dean of the Bush School. By understanding Sherman’s journey before beginning the role on Aug. 1, one can see how this news almost seems like destiny, providing insight into how Sherman’s plans for the Bush School are built on a solid foundation to fulfill former President George H.W. Bush’s vision of public service as a noble calling.
Sherman As A Young Aggie
A native Texan from Victoria, Sherman first became an Aggie in 1988 when he joined the Corps of Cadets as a political science major. However, Sherman erroneously signed up for a senior-level history course, eventually leading him to change majors.
“This is back in the day when we registered for classes on the telephone,” Sherman joked. “It was History 443: US military history to 1903. I got into class, and the professor, Dr. Joseph Dawson, said, “I’ve never had a freshman pass this class. You need to get out right now.” I ended up not only getting an A, but I got the highest grade in the class! I don’t say that to thump my chest, but that I really enjoyed studying US military leaders. It’s not just knowing the historical dates, but learning about how they led, the problems they had to navigate and negotiate, and what we’ve been through as a country and persevered through.”
During his undergraduate career, Sherman was selected for the Ross Volunteers, the oldest honor guard and drill team of its kind in Texas who serve as the official Honor Guard of the governor. In fact, this experience would lead to Sherman’s first encounter with President George H.W. Bush.
“I never conversed with him, but when he launched his campaign for his second term in 1991 in Houston, I was one of the four Ross Volunteers asked to attend,” Sherman said. “I held his U.S. flag only a few feet away from him!”
Sherman’s time in the Corps of Cadets culminated in him becoming the 1991-1992 Commanders of the Corps, a distinction he shares with other esteemed former students such as Jon L. Hagler, Tyson T. Voelkel, and many others. This role would shape his values as a leader in the years to come.
“The Corps of Cadets is the greatest leadership laboratory in the country, if not the world, in terms of having young students being able to do really amazing things,” Sherman said. “Leading, planning, working through tough problems and learning interpersonal skills there served me well later in life, especially for a career in intelligence and defense. I’ll never forget that the Aggie experience is who we are, whether its undergraduate, graduate, etc. Those Core Values and the Aggie Code of Honor are what have served me so well.”
