A Tribute to Sherman Lewis: Leadership, Philanthropy, and Langston’s Future

On May 3rd, I was honored to attend a formal reception to meet the commencement speaker at Langston University. Seated at a table with my wife, I found myself next to a well-dressed gentleman whose name I did not know. After introducing myself, I discovered he was none other than Sherman Lewis. Bursting with excitement, I realized I was in the presence of a living legend. I had assumed that Sherman Lewis, the namesake of our agriculture building, was deceased, which is often the case with such honors. To my delight, he was very much alive and engaged.

We spoke at length, and I was amazed by his humility and passion for Langston University. Sherman Lewis is a dynamic giver and personal philanthropist dedicated to making a difference. His story is both inspiring and impactful.

Parallels Between Sherman Lewis and Myself

In many ways, I see parallels between Sherman Lewis and myself. Both of us have dedicated significant portions of our lives to serving the public and our communities. I worked for the Department of Energy, managing both nuclear and non-nuclear projects. On the other hand, Lewis has made a profound impact through his personal philanthropy, which he earned through hard work rather than inherited wealth. He is a model for individual giving in the Black community, and I deeply admire and strive to emulate his dedication to Langston University in my work.

More About Sherman Lewis

The Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences was named to recognize Lewis’s significant contributions. It is the first named school in Langston University’s history. This honor follows Lewis’s most important individual donation in university history, establishing the Sherman and Berniece Lewis Endowment to support the achievements of our talented students.

The Lewis family credits the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences for success. “I’ve always felt a powerful sense of obligation to give back to Langston University for giving me so much when I needed it most to start my life’s journey,” said Lewis. “Langston University made an investment in me when I needed help, and now, I want to invest in Langston University for the students. It’s helping today and future ones start their journey of life.”

Born and raised on a farm near Beggs, Oklahoma, Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics with a minor in mathematics from Langston University in 1964. After two years in the military, he joined the USDA Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He later obtained a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Lewis returned to Langston University to direct the Center for Outreach Programs, focusing on recruiting students, providing technical assistance to producers and minority-owned businesses, and developing partnerships to secure scholarships, internships, and student career opportunities. He held this role for eight years before venturing into the private sector, where he and his family started several successful businesses in Houston, Texas.

Lewis has received numerous accolades, including the Heart of the Lion Award in 2014 and the 1890 Career Exemplar Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2015. His generosity continues through the Sherman Lewis Fund, which provides scholarships that fully fund tuition and school supplies for gifted students.

In closing, Sherman Lewis exemplifies what being a leader in action means. His humility, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Langston University and its students are a powerful testament to the impact one individual can make. Through his substantial contributions, he has transformed the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and created a lasting legacy of giving and excellence. Sherman Lewis’s life and work inspire us all to strive for greatness and to give back to our communities, ensuring that future generations have the opportunities and support they need to succeed. His story is a beacon of hope and a call to action to continue building a better future for Langston University and beyond.