Matthew Sherman ’26: Embodying excellence
Animal science student excels as drum major, student leader and future dentist
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Some words hold meanings that aren’t easily defined by a dictionary. These words need someone to lift them off the page and bring them to life to be truly understood.
Excellence is one of those words – and Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student Matthew Sherman ’26 is one of those people.
Although excellence is often recognized in the spotlight, Sherman models how it is built in the small, unseen moments.
“Excellence is all about consistency,” he said. “It’s about being excellent in front of your peers and excellent with the little things nobody else sees. That makes it easier to be excellent with the bigger things.”
Sherman’s pursuit of this Aggie core value stems from his personal motivations – and it’s been cultivated and strengthened through his time as a student in the Department of Animal Science.
A tour that revealed tradition
When Sherman toured Aggieland for the first time, he was immediately captivated by the university’s deep traditions and unmistakable Aggie spirit. The more he saw of campus, the more he wanted to make the most of his time at Texas A&M University and do something truly excellent.
“I wanted to immerse myself in as much tradition, camaraderie and Aggie spirit as possible,” Sherman said.
He started his pursuit of excellence by joining the Corps of Cadets and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.
“Through the Corps, I have learned discipline, accountability and hands-on leadership,” Sherman said. “They call it a leadership laboratory for a reason. Not only have I learned leadership, I’ve also found an incredible community.”
He took these leadership lessons a step further by trying out for infantry band drum major his junior year – a highly prestigious position culminating in an audition in front of the entire band, which landed him the role.
This responsibility is a huge undertaking. Sherman and two other drum majors organize the band’s rehearsal six days a week and spend countless hours preparing to lead 400 band members. Each fall, they play at Midnight Yell, wake up at 6 a.m. on game days to practice, lead the Corps step-off – a tradition where cadets march into Kyle Field – and deliver outstanding performances at the halftime of Aggie football games.
Even with this demanding schedule, he knew he had more to give to the university.
Campus leadership outside the Quad
Sherman became involved in all areas of campus. During his freshman year, he joined Fish Aides, a freshman leadership organization within the Texas A&M Student Government Association. He also joined Traditions Council, a committee dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions of Texas A&M through outreach and education.
“For me, a key component of excellence is embracing Aggie traditions and learning how to be a part of them,” Sherman said. “I had to learn to protect my yeses and my noes. I can’t say yes to everything, but if I say yes to an opportunity, I want to give it my all.”
He also applied and was accepted into the Maroon Coats, a prestigious student organization that allows students to serve as official ambassadors for the Texas A&M Foundation. Their main role is to build relationships with donors and supporters of the university, as well as welcome prospective students to campus.
“My goal with every interaction as a Maroon Coat is to show people what Texas A&M is all about,” Sherman said. “I just want everyone to love this campus the way I do.”
How agriculture led to a future in dentistry
Sherman’s desire to support and serve those around him extends beyond campus, too. It’s evident in his career goals and post-graduation plans to become a dentist.
A Sulphur Springs native and the son of a veterinarian, his childhood was shaped by agriculture, more specifically, caring for livestock.
“I grew up going with my dad to emergency calls and helping him at the clinic,” Sherman said. “I wanted to be just like him.”
Though pursuing a veterinary science track was his original plan, hence his decision to major in animal science, Sherman shadowed a dentist last spring and fell in love with the profession. Thankfully, the science track within the animal science degree program provides all the courses necessary for dental, medical or vet school.
“I went on a mission trip to Guatemala to assist with dental work,” Sherman said. “What spoke to me the most was how care from a dentist can improve not only someone’s physical well-being, but also their emotional well-being. A smile is a universal sign of joy, and it’s so special that I can give that gift to someone.”
Why the core values matter to him
For Sherman, the Aggie core values are something he sees lived out every day in every corner of campus, whether he’s wearing his Corps uniform, leading the Fightin’ Texas Aggie band or wearing a maroon coat helping build relationships with donors who support the university so generously.
He credits much of his success to the vibrant community and uplifting culture he’s found at Texas A&M, where living out the core values comes naturally when surrounded by fellow Aggies striving to do the same.
“Texas A&M is so special because we’re all trying to live our lives by a set of values,” Sherman said. “That makes a difference. I see this especially in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. My advisors, in particular, model the core values by caring so well for me and for each student. They do their jobs with excellence, and it inspires students like me to do the same.”
Those examples, Sherman said, and many others during his time at Texas A&M have shaped how he approaches his goals and the way he hopes to serve others after graduation in May.
“I try to work my hardest and understand my motivations,” Sherman said. “At the end of the day, I have a passion for people, and I’m excited to carry the lessons I’ve learned on campus out into the world.”
