AUSTIN, Texas—Max Sherman, professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, has been elected vice president of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.
Sherman has been involved with the foundation since 1990, serving on the finalist selection committee and as the chairman of the Dallas Regional Review Panel. As vice president, 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 $30,000 award.
Sherman teaches courses on ethics at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. 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 that, 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.
Sherman has a law degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree 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, Texas Monthly magazine recognized him in 1973, 1975 and 1977 as one of the 10 best legislators, citing his integrity, intelligence and “genuine sense of public service.”
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation—the federal memorial to the 33rd president—awards merit-based $30,000 scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers. Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.
For more information contact: Christy Kleinbeck, program manager, Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, 202-395-7432.