Sherwin-Williams, the nation's largest manufacturer and distributor of coatings, has named the College of Business Administration a recipient of its esteemed Sherwin-Williams Award of Excellence, in recognition of the superior career and education guidance the College provides to its students. Ron Novak, Area Human Resources Manager for Sherwin-Williams, presented the award to Dean R. D. Lewis during the College's recent Spring 2006 Business Career Fair.

Ron was especially pleased to present the award, which he sees as a culmination of the strong partnership his company has forged with Dr. Charles Capps, professor of management at the College. That collaboration has brought professional industry experience into the classroom, qualified managers into the workplace, and was a significant factor in the selection process, he said. "Dr. Capps has a tremendous bond with his students," Ron states, "and I admire his ability to develop the potential within each individual."

Sherwin-Williams officials are continually impressed with the preparation and performance of College of Business graduates and point to the level of success they have achieved within the organization. "COBA grads can handle a challenging business environment and assimilate at high levels almost immediately," Ron explained.

Sherwin-Williams' Vice President of Sales Mike Madden '70 not only exemplifies but encourages that success. "We have hired several graduates of the College who have distinguished themselves in their careers," he said. "Recently we selected a Sam Houston State graduate as the Sherwin-Williams Store Manager of the Year and -- with 3,000 stores nationwide -- that is a great achievement."

Sherwin-Williams will celebrate its 140 th anniversary this year and generates $7 billion in annual sales. Recognized as one of the best employers in the United States, the company consistently offers top entry-level positions for new graduates.