March

28, 2017

ePortfolio Comprehensive Assessment
Letter of Promise | M.Ed. in Higher Education Program
Loyola University Chicago | School of Education
820 N. Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60611

To Whom it May Concern:

The purpose of this letter is to express the highest level of confidence in the knowledge,
competencies, and skills of a promising young scholar who I have had the distinct pleasure
of sharing this journey with in the higher education program at Loyola University Chicago. I
was first introduced to Ayanna Williams at Loyola Preview Days, and our relationship has
blossomed into a strong friendship through which I have witnessed her outstanding
academic and professional prowess, as well as her continued growth throughout the
program. Ayanna is an insightful, passionate, emerging student affairs leader and
professional that will contribute immensely to the field of higher education.

Through our first graduate course, it was clear that she had an intense passion for social
justice, and had the ability to elevate course discussions; centering marginalized narratives
and challenging her peers to think critically about course content. Ayanna has revealed a
penetrating intellect and the patience to engage deeply with research and literature, to ask
tough questions and listen carefully to complex arguments, and communicate in a
wonderfully clear, smart prose. I have consistently been impressed with her ability to
demonstrate sound leadership within and outside of the classroom. She is able to
seamlessly connect theoretical knowledge into practical application as evidenced in her
research, teaching, and leadership experiences.

Through her teaching internship, she has shown a strong commitment to student learning,
and has constructed transformative environments that promote growth and engagement.
She has worked rigorously to create curriculums that explore contemporary leadership
theories with a critical lens, and has helped students examine power, privilege, and systems
of oppression. This commitment to addressing systemic inequalities is central to her
mission as an aspiring student affairs professional, and this lens is applied through all
aspects of her work. Her work with the Journal of Critical Scholarship on Higher Education
and Student Affairs has been important to the journals success as she continues to advance
critical perspectives in higher education.

Ayanna has consistently demonstrated excellence in her academic and professional
endeavors. It is without a doubt that I believe she will transform lives, departments, and
institutions. It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter of promise, and I look forward
to continuing to watch her prosper in her next professional role.

Sincerely,
Christian Hightower
M.Ed. in Higher Education Candidate | Loyola University Chicago