1. February 25, 2015
Dear Sir or Madam:
This letter is a recommendation for Mr. Jacob D. Beckham to be given the opportunity to find
employment in your organization. I have known Mr. Beckham for approximately two years in my
capacity as one of his professors at Missouri State University. He has taken a number of courses
with me; for example, currently he is taking an advanced course titled “Social Planning,” he has
conducted original research, and produced a number of professional presentations in these
courses. In all my dealings with Mr. Beckham I have found him to be academically gifted,
thoughtful, and a person of the highest integrity.
Mr. Beckham has all the ingredients to make a very successful employee. He is clearly a leader
within the classroom environment; for example, he has no trouble stepping forward and assuming
a leadership role in a group project exercise. In my dealing with him, he has a sharp and
inquiring mind. Further, Mr. Beckham has also demonstrated his strong work ethic; he can work
under stress and is a self-starter. Mr. Beckham has what I would term an “old fashioned” work
ethic. I use the term old fashioned, because quite frankly I rarely see such hard work and
responsibility amongst our student body today. He is a careful listener, a quick learner and is
able to follow instructions using his own initiative. In all my dealings with him his work was always
on time and excellent. Mr. Beckham is also a good speaker and is able to communicate
effectively.
As you can no doubt tell, I think very highly of Jacob; he is one of those rare students that a
college professor occasionally has the privilege to know. On a personal note he is very
personable and friendly and I have no doubt he can work effectively with others. I recommend
him without reservation; in my now 28th year of teaching at MSU he is amongst the group of the
very best students I've encountered. Don’t let this one get away!
If I can answer any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at
836.5688 or at paulrollinson@missouristate.edu
Sincerely,
Paul A. Rollinson, Ph.D., AICP
Professor
Geography, Geology and Planning
Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 658