Truman Foundation Welcomes Max Sherman as Vice President

November 16, 2004

Louis H. Blair, Executive Secretary, announced that Max Sherman will be joining the Foundation as Vice President.  The Trustees elected Mr. Sherman Vice President at the September 24, 2004 board meeting.  Support for his election was unanimous.  Fred Slabach, Trustee and Treasurer of the Truman Foundation, affirmed that “Max Sherman would be an excellent addition to the Foundation.”  When Dr. Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State and President of the Truman Foundation, called for the vote she expressed her enthusiasm telling the Trustees, “I think we need to approve Mr. Sherman”.  She noted that Sherman's experience in higher education and his dedication to public service would make him a splendid asset to the Foundation. 

Mr. Sherman has been involved with the Foundation since 1990 as a panelist on both the Finalist Selection Committee and the Chairman of the Dallas Regional Review Panel.  In his new role, he will encourage more colleges and universities to participate in the Truman competition, establish partnerships with graduate schools and professional schools to assure financial support to match or exceed the Truman grant, and help the Trustees, Officers and staff understand how to make the Truman Scholarship most valuable to prospective public servants at a time of declining financial impact of the Truman Scholarship.

Max Sherman currently teaches courses on ethics at the LBJ School. His teaching and policy interests include state government, policy development, and ethics in public affairs.  Sherman was Dean of the LBJ School from July 1983 until August 1997. Prior to his appointment at the LBJ School, he was Special Counsel to the Governor of Texas. From 1971 to 1977 he served in the Texas Senate, leaving in 1977 to become President of West Texas State University. He has a J.D. degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in history from Baylor University. Awards include Public Administration Educator of the Year for 2004 by the Centex Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, Texan of the Year for 1999 by the Texas Legislative Conference, Austinite of the Year for 1997 by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and Distinguished Alumnus for 1992 by Baylor University. During his tenure as State Senator, he was recognized by Texas Monthly in 1973, 1975, and 1977 as one of the ten best legislators; the magazine cited his integrity, intelligence, and "genuine sense of public service."