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.
The Future of the Bush School
On June 6, 2024, Texas A&M officially announced that Sherman would be the next dean of the Bush School, following Dr. Frank B. Ashley III’s year-long tenure as interim dean. Six years prior to accepting the role, Sherman had one last encounter with former President Bush.
“I was in his presence for one of the most honored things I’ve ever had a chance to do,” Sherman said. “I was on the CIA team at Andrews Air Force Base as part of the reception group as his remains were brought to Washington, D.C. along with the Bush family. To be one of the CIA officers there for that event was humbling, and I feel that that was my way to pay the utmost respect to his spirit and everything he stood for.”
Though he may not have ever spoken directly to the former president, Sherman now has the responsibility to speak to President Bush’s legacy, joining the lineage of other distinguished statesman turned Bush School deans, such as Dr. Robert M. Gates, Andrew Card and current Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh.
“I can think of no higher honor or privilege, as I’m wrapping up a 30-year government career, than to come build with a great group of faculty, staff and students,” Sherman said. “We’ll be building upon the successes that Interim Dean Ashley has had and, of course, former dean and now President Welsh. I’m just so impressed with the trajectory of the school.”
Sherman has shared some of his first plans before beginning on August 1st as dean. For example, he wants to continue working on fully integrating the relatively new political science undergraduate and graduate programs to be as seamless as the other programs in the Bush School. Sherman also wants to set up ways to receive input from faculty members and students on where they want to see the Bush School in the coming months and years. Sherman sees the Bush School’s dedication to public service as an asset that sets it apart from other government programs.
“President Bush was a humble public servant,” Sherman said. “All the way back to his time as an aviator in World War II up to being commander in chief, that quality of making it about the nation, I think those core qualities that we channel at the Bush School is what makes us special. It’s the spirit of humble service that President Bush so skillfully built the school on that will be one of the most important things to perpetuate as dean.”
As well, he wants to develop how the Bush School engages with the public through marketing and communication. Sherman also wishes to harness the unique talent and educators teaching and researching at the Bush School.
“Something special that the Bush School has are the career faculty, the tenured faculty and the professors of practice,” Sherman said. “To be able to expose students to that mix of world-class faculty and practitioners, many of whom are experts in their field, who give opportunities and open doors for students into various types of government and service, I really think that’s the secret sauce of the Bush School. What drew me to the role was the building upon former President Bush’s vision on what the school can be as a launchpad for students who have answered the call to serve.”
Though Sherman has immense respect and appreciation for the Bush School’s reputation, he also looks forward to contributing his expertise in developing the legacy of the former president.
“George H.W. Bush was never one to rest on his laurels,” Sherman said. “He was always innovating. We must keep that spirit up. We’re going to stand on the shoulders of giants, but we’re also going to keep evolving at the school.”
