UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Names Interim Provost

June 13, 2014

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

June 13, 2014

Dr. Ross Sherman has been named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at The University of Texas at Tyler, effective July 1, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.

He follows Dr. Alisa White, who has been named the next president of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. Sherman has served as dean of the UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology since last May.

“For more than two decades, Dr. Sherman’s vision, energy and belief in the mission of UT Tyler have contributed greatly to this institution,” President Mabry said. “He has an exemplary history of service to this university and a truly strong standing in the field of education at the local, state and national level.

“His excellent reputation, as well as the professionalism and effectiveness he has displayed as dean of the College of Education and Psychology, make him an ideal candidate to serve in this capacity.”

Serving UT Tyler since 1987, Sherman previously served as professor and chair of the UT Tyler Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

“As someone who has served in many roles at UT Tyler over the past 26 years, I am looking forward to continuing my service as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs,” Sherman said. “I am deeply committed to this institution and the Tyler community and will build upon our recent successes to ensure we continue our great progress.”

The Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration named Sherman the 2013 ‘Educator of the Year.’ The award recognizes members for their outstanding cumulative contributions to the development of educational leaders in Texas K-12 secondary schools.

His other awards and honors include the 2011 Outstanding Distance Learning Faculty Award from the Northeast Texas Consortium of Colleges and Universities and the 2008 – 09 UT Tyler White Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.

Sherman holds a master of education from Temple University and an Ed.D. in administration and supervision from the University of Houston. He also holds elementary, midmanagement and superintendent certifications from the Texas Education Agency. His professional and research interests include instructional leadership theory and principalship.

Before coming to UT Tyler, Sherman served the Alief Independent School District in Houston for seven years, first as an elementary teacher and later as principal.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 7,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.