1. To whom it may concern:
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Tony Dixon. As the Dean for the School
of Applied Leadership, I oversee the Ed.D. in Leadership program, and Tony is one of our top
students. I am often looking for those students who lead the way in terms of character, leadership
abilities, and excellence in work quality. Tony has been an excellent model for our students in
these areas. Specifically, as a professor for two of his classes, I have seen the following qualities in
him:
• Self-efficacy (or “grit”): Tony is confident in his ability to complete tasks and reach goals.
He persists with challenging tasks. He keeps on trying until he gets it right.
• Growth mindset: Tony thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of
unintelligence but as a springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities. He
has repeatedly sought out feedback with the goal of continuous improvement.
• Commitment to excellence: Tony always strives to surpass ordinary standards. He has
committed himself to excellence and has made it a pattern of behavior in everything that he
does.
• Resilience: Tony models the ineffable ability to come back stronger than ever when life
throws its curve balls. Rather than letting failure overcome him and drain his resolve, he
finds a way to rise from the circumstances.
• Conscientiousness: Tony is thorough, careful, and vigilant. He wants to do his tasks well.
He is efficient and organized in everything that he does.
I would highly recommend Tony for the Army Officer’s Candidate School. He is smart, diligent,
forward thinking, and innovative. He would be a valuable asset to the school, and to his peer-
officers in the program. This opportunity would provide him with a unique platform to learn,
practice, and share his leadership abilities and organizational competencies.
Please let me know if there is more information I can provide.
Kelly A. Flores
Dean, School of Applied Leadership
City University of Seattle
kflores@cityu.edu