1. May 19, 2014
Dear Meadows School of the Arts –Communication Graduate Search Committee:
I have had the distinct pleasure of having Thomas Kromis as an undergraduate student at
Southern Methodist University for the past two years. It is without any reservation that I highly
recommend Thomas with the greatest degree of confidence and enthusiasm for the graduate
communications studies program at Meadows School of the Arts.
Currently, I am a faculty member at SMU, and I teach in our Sport Management program
within our Department of Applied Physiology and Wellness in the Annette Caldwell Simmons
School of Education. As a professor, I work with hundreds of students every semester. I have
taught for over 10 years in higher education and I have spent over 22 years in the private sector
in the sports and entertainment industry and media. I would put Thomas within the top five
percent of all students I have ever taught, worked with, or hired as interns through my academic
and professional career.
His commitment to his academic excellence was evident in his unwavering commitment
to his coursework throughout his studies here at SMU. I have had the pleasure of having Thomas
in three classes, and he is always a stellar student. He is an exemplary leader in all of this
classes and team-based projects within these classes. He is a student that other students looked
up to as their peer and mentor.
Thomas arrived at SMU after serving 22 years with the United States Marine Corps. He
is an exemplary leader and mentor. Currently, Thomas is completing his internship for SMU
Athletics in the Department of Compliance. He is also currently employed at Life Time Fitness
of Colleyville as the Member Services Department Head and the Personal Training Manager.
Thomas has proven himself both academically and professionally in our SMU
community, and the DFW community. He has excellent communication skills and I sincerely
believe he would thrive in the graduate school to further his passion for communication studies.
Not only would Thomas personally benefit from this incredible program, but I sincerely believe
he would be a tremendous asset to his peers by serving as an exemplary role model to them.

2. Letter of Recommendation for Thomas Kromis, page 2.
Above all, I highly recommend Thomas based on his character. He exhibits the highest
levels of integrity, work ethic and loyalty. He is a proven leader on so many levels and in so
many organizations both on campus and off campus. Thomas is an asset to our University and
he has truly made a difference to our campus culture and our local community.
In summary, Thomas is a wonderful blend of academic excellence mixed with
professional excellence and achievement. I fully endorse Thomas Kromis whole-heartedly. His
work ethic and his commitment to excellence –both academically and professionally, make him
an outstanding candidate for graduate studies. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of
additional assistance.
Sincerely,
Susan Leigh Holland
Susan L. Holland
Professor of Practice
Applied Physiology and Sport Management
Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education
Southern Methodist University
3101 University Blvd., Simmons Hall, 236
Dallas, TX 75275
slholland@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-4979