Dr. Robert Sherman accepted an invitation to return to his native Liberia in July to participate in the 179th anniversary of his country.
But there was another benefit – albeit a surprise – that Sherman received.
The professor in the Grand Canyon University Colangelo College of Business received the Grand Band, one of the country’s highest honors, usually reserved for government officials and individuals who have made a significant impact on the nation.
“This means a whole lot because, finally, they are recognizing me for what I have done,” Sherman said. “But let me be careful. I received this not as an award for what I have done, but as an inspiration to do more, because there's so much more to do. That's why this partnership is important to me.”
In late September, Sherman met Liberia President Joseph Boakai in Alexandria, Virginia. They were there as part of the 2026 Liberia Diaspora Conference, an event in which Liberians from North America met with officials to discuss the government’s agenda for development – particularly in education, agriculture and public health – and how they can help transform the country.
“I was able to share what we’re doing in Arizona along those lines,” Sherman said.
Sherman, who came to Arizona in the early 1980s, was instrumental in arranging for more than $500,000 in medical supplies to be sent to Liberia to combat the Ebola crisis without the Liberian government paying a cent.
That is one of the reasons why Boakai visited Arizona several times before he became president.
“He wants to reinforce new and existing relationships, and to develop new ones,” Sherman said. “And one of the new ones that we want to develop is the relationship here with GCU.”
Provost Dr. Randy Gibb arrived at GCU as Colangelo College of Business dean in 2014 – the same year Sherman started teaching at GCU – and is proud of his contributions.
“Dr. Sherman has been the standard of finance excellence for the CCOB MBA program,” Gibb said. “He brings graduate-level finance to life with real-world scenarios and case studies from his vast and unmatched experiences. His dedication to the students exemplifies our student-centered approach and academic excellence. We are so happy for him to receive such an honor.”
During his eight-day trip to Liberia, Sherman met government officials and private-sector representatives to assess the country’s educational landscape, what it was doing to promote education and what could be done to fill in gaps.
Sherman also talked about GCU and the college, with the possibility of setting up a faculty- and student-exchange program. Liberia also needs nurses, he said.
“I was representing myself, and what we need to do now is to build up on what we discuss, because sometimes you go there and there's euphoria,” Sherman said. “People like what they are hearing, but sometimes you leave things false to the crowd.
“I'm trying to make sure that that does not happen, that we will hold our feet to the fire, because there is much that needs to be done.”
Sherman believes blending Liberia’s natural resources, combined with the United States’ transportation system and infrastructure, could improve the living standards of his native country.
The opportunity to witness anniversary festivities and exchange ideas with Liberian officials “means the whole world to me because I'm a Christian,” Sherman said. “You share your blessings. When I do these things here, I don't say I'm doing this so I can get this (opportunity).
“The students here know that when I'm in the classroom, I'm doing my very best for them. Because when they leave, they're going to represent all of us. So when I get these calls to do this, to serve on this committee, so forth and so on, I do it because I'm a Christian.”
John Kaites, dean of the business college, is proud of what Sherman represents.
“How rewarding it is to have a faculty member of the Colangelo College of Business receive the highest national honor from his native country,” Kaites said. “His efforts, as well as his ongoing commitments to helping his country, is reflective of his ongoing commitment to doing good in business and in faith across the globe and with his students right here at GCU.”
This marked Sherman’s first trip to Liberia in 15 years, and he noticed improvements in roads, K-12 education and public education. That did not stop him from writing a report on areas of improvement that need reinforcement and those that need improvement.
“We need to address those seriously, so we reduce poverty and improve the living standards of Liberians,” Sherman said. “And that's what I'm committed to. That's why I said I received it as an award for what I've done, but most importantly for what needs to be done and how I can be part of that transformation.”
GCU News senior writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
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