The letter recommends Petra Barba for an Assistant Director of Admissions position. It details that the author taught Petra in a student development theory course and she later worked under the author, distinguishing herself as capable and organized. The letter highlights that Petra's assignments were always thorough and systematic, earning her A grades. It also notes that Petra has experience working with diverse student populations and was effective in supporting innovative interventions for at-risk students. The author expresses full confidence in Petra and believes she would be a great example as a deserving candidate.

1. 680 Sonoma Mountain Parkway
Administration Building Offices Call 623
Fax: 203-778-3929 / Phone: 707-778-3930
Dean of Student ServicesPETALUMA
SRJC
Dear Selection Committee:
It is with pleasure that I write this letter recommending Ms. Petra Barba for your consideration as Assistant
Director of Admissions. As an adjunct professor in the University of Bridgeport Master’s in Counseling and Higher
Education program, I had the pleasure of teaching Ms. Barba in my student development theory course. And
then later, as the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at Gateway Community College, Petra also
worked in my retention services area, as well as the Admissions Office. During the time that I have known her,
Petra Barba has distinguished herself as capable and organized.
The first thing you should know is that Petra is very thorough. The product of her assignments was always
systematic in approaching the topic, and thorough in the information provided, satisfying very well all of the
requirements of the topic. This earned her “A” grades in the course, and would also serve as a desirable skill in a
higher education professional.
Ms. Barba, with a background in working on TRIO programs, has also been effective in working with our diverse
student population, which represents all parts of the spectrum of race, income, age, and cultural backgrounds in
an urban setting. She jumped right in this past summer working directly with students, assisting them with
retention work in our Student Success Center. No prompting is necessary with Petra: she is excited and invested
in working with students in college. As evidence, during the last year Petra has been working to support our
innovative interventions with students needing developmental coursework. As you may know, these students are
the most at risk of non-completion from the college. Petra has been instrumental in helping to formulate helpful
practices, including support of the “boot camp” readiness courses in English and Math, as well as working one-on-
one in coaching students, and tracking those interventions.
Ms. Barba is a logical thinker, and a caring person. I think you will find Petra a great example of a deserving
candidate. I have full faith in forwarding her name as a candidate of quality. Please do not hesitate to contact
me if I can be of any further assistance.
Regards,
Matthew Long, Ed.D.
Dean of Student Services