New face in Business Student Services focused on student connection

Lucas Sherman didn’t start his college journey in the College of Business, but now that he’s joined the Business Student Services office as executive secretary, he’s found his next step—and a place where he hopes to make an impact.

“I’m here because it’s so student oriented,” Sherman said. “If the campus and the community at CMU wasn’t student oriented, I wouldn’t be here. I’d have found somewhere else.”

Sherman graduated from CMU in 2023 with a double major in psychology and English, and minors in women and gender studies and family studies. As a Centralis Scholar, he said he felt motivated to give back through internships, volunteering, and campus involvement.

“I felt like I had to do a lot to try and be able to give back to the university because they were putting so much into me,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that they got their money out of me,” he added with a smile.

After graduation, he initially planned to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling, but shifted course due to financial barriers—and a growing awareness of where his strengths could best be used.

He spent time working in the nonprofit sector, gaining experience in volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement. But his goal remained clear: transition into higher education, where he could continue to work with students in a more direct and lasting way.

This fall, Sherman will begin graduate coursework in higher education and administration.

“I’m taking classes so I’m better equipped and ready to step up into positions where I can keep developing and growing,” he said.

Finding community—and helping others do the same

As a student, Sherman found a strong sense of purpose working in the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and with LGBTQ+ Services.

“I had some really good mentors who helped inspire me and get me connected and interested in what they were doing,” he said. “And then wanting to continue some of the work that they’re doing.”

Those experiences helped him realize how much he values working with students from diverse backgrounds and helping them feel a sense of belonging.

“I want people to be able to come and feel like they can say hi,” he said. “I’m very excited to see who the students are, get to meet them, and try to find out, even in my position, what I can do to help them get connected or find their fit and their home on campus.”

A new space, a familiar goal

Sherman acknowledged that stepping into a long-held role comes with its challenges—especially following in the footsteps of longtime executive secretary Linda McClain.

“Linda was in this position for 27 years. I can’t fill her shoes, no matter how hard I try,” he said.

But thanks to McClain’s support during the transition—and a welcoming CBA community—he’s settling in well.

“Everyone’s been super nice, really kind and encouraging,” he said. “I’ve always felt like I’ve had the ability to come and ask a question. Like, ‘OK, I don’t know what I’m doing. How do I respond? How do I do this?’” he laughed.

As he prepares for the start of fall semester, Sherman said he’s looking forward to more student traffic, conversations, and connections.

“Orientation is super exciting because I get to interact with students and people again. There are bodies in the building,” he said referring to the quiet of summer on campus. “Those are always really exciting days.”

Beyond the desk

While Sherman is quick to describe himself as low-key, his personal interests reflect a creative and thoughtful spirit. He enjoys reading, writing, crocheting, and playing card and board games. He’s also a devoted cat parent.

“My cat—first and foremost. Love him dearly,” he said. “His name is Icarus, and we found him under my car.”

He’s excited to grow his campus network and hopes students and colleagues alike won’t hesitate to stop by and say hello.

“Come and say hi,” Sherman said. “I want people to know I’m here—and I want to be someone they can connect with.”