The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University is honored to announce the appointment of Dr. John A. Adams Jr. ’73, ’76, ’87, to its Dean’s Advisory Board. Adams brings a wealth of experience in government, academia, and business, offering valuable insights that will enhance the school’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to developing principled leaders in public service – a legacy inspired by 41st President George H.W. Bush.
Established in 1997 under President Bush’s guiding principle that “public service is a noble calling,” the Bush School continues to embody that vision through its rigorous academic programs, impactful research, and experiential learning. Today, it stands as a leading institution offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in Public Service & Administration, International Affairs, and Political Science.
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Adams served his country with honor and distinction as a captain, exemplifying the values of duty, leadership, and sacrifice. Building on the leadership and discipline honed in the Corps of Cadets and Air Force, Adams transitioned into a career marked by strategic vision and public impact. He began working in banking in Laredo, Texas, and evolved into a prominent role as executive director and CEO of the Laredo Development Foundation. In 2005, he was appointed president and CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc. (now known as Florida’s Department of Commerce) during the administration of Governor Jeb Bush, the son of President Bush, to lead the state’s public-private economic development efforts.
While chair of the Industry Sector Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Commerce, he served as a delegate to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs Negotiations in Geneva as well as Mexico City, Tokyo, and London. Additionally, Adams served as an advisor to the World Trade Organization and provided Congressional testimony on U.S.-Mexico border infrastructure issues.
A pilot since he was a teenager, Adams crafted the legislation and played a key leadership role to secure funding for Space Florida. Beginning in 2003, he served as a founding board member and continued to serve for several subsequent years. During his tenure on the board, he oversaw the securing of land rights, facilities, and launch pads for private commercial space flight at Cape Canaveral Spaceport. Today, that infrastructure continues to support the next generation of space companies, including Space X, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, ULA, and Orbital ATK. Flying with Zero-G, Adams has logged some 12 minutes of weightless flight.
As a distinguished historian and author, Adams lifelong dedication to Texas A&M is reflected in his professional accomplishments and selfless service. Adams earned three degrees in history from Texas A&M and has authored twenty historical books. His primary research areas have been in international banking and commerce, military history, cyber security, US-Mexico border affairs, and of course, the Fightin’ Texas Aggies.
Adams’ enduring commitment to Texas A&M is reflected in his delivery of more than 50 Muster speeches around the world, his service as a Texas A&M Research Foundation trustee, and his role as an advisory board member for the Texas A&M University Press. In recognition of his public service and leadership, he was inducted into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor in 2017. In 2024, he received the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the university, his profession, his country, and his community.
“Dr. Adams is a true embodiment of the Bush School’s mission to serve with integrity, vision, and purpose,” said John B. Sherman ’92, Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service. “His decades of leadership, from global trade and economic development to advancing space commerce and preserving Texas A&M’s legacy, reflect a life devoted to public service. As a historian, veteran, and statesman, John brings deep insight and a strong grasp of the values behind principled leadership. We are honored to welcome him to the Advisory Board, where his insight and commitment will strengthen the Bush School’s national leadership in public service education.”
