Kathleen O'Leary has worked for four years on several Montana University System initiatives including the Adult Friendly Workgroup, carrying out an Adult Learner Friendly Institution assessment at Bitterroot College, and serving on the Prior Learning Assessment taskforce. She has effectively represented Bitterroot College, participated in various trainings, and made significant contributions to expanding educational opportunities for adults in Montana.

1. March 10, 2015
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
We have known and worked directly with Ms. Kathleen O’ Leary on a number of Montana University
System (MUS) initiatives for the past four years. As a key member of the Bitterroot College University of
Montana staff, Kathleen has served as a primary representative for selected workgroups and taskforces
which have worked in tandem with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
As a representative on the Adult Friendly Workgroup for the Lumina Foundation-funded MUS
College!NOW initiative, Kathleen participated in the workgroup’s efforts to expand and strengthen
lower cost, nontraditional educational options for adults. The workgroup also helped gather and review
information on target populations of Montana’s adults, support program redesign, and make follow-up
recommendations for future actions.
Kathleen served as Bitterroot College’s point-person to carry out the Adult Learner Friendly Institution
(ALFI) assessment. This assessment required a person who could work with Bitterroot College’s faculty,
staff, administrators, and adult students to ensure success of the rollout and final interpretation of the
assessment. Kathleen effectively interacted with all the Bitterroot College entities as well as the
assessment company that implemented the review.
Finally, for the past eight months, Kathleen has served as a representative on the MUS Prior Learning
Assessment (PLA) taskforce. Appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education, taskforce members
are charged with creating system-wide PLA policies and standards to ensure academic rigor and
appropriate recognition of evidence-based learning for Montana’s adults. Kathleen has served as a key
member of the taskforce and has made significant contributions to the efforts of the group. She also
has participated in various training events, including a statewide PLA advisor training.
In short, Kathleen O’ Leary has been a superb colleague. We enjoy working with her and look forward to
more opportunities to do so.
Sincerely,
Sue
John E. Cech, Ph.D. Susan K. Jones
Deputy Commissioner for Two-Year Director of Two Year Mission Integration
and Community College Education