This letter strongly recommends Mr. Tom Spillman for advancement in his career in higher education. The letter writer has known and been supervised by Mr. Spillman for over 10 years at Mt. San Jacinto College, where he has demonstrated excellent leadership as Dean of Student Services and Counseling. Mr. Spillman is highly competent, always seeking new ways to serve students, and a natural leader for at-risk and diverse populations. He advocates tirelessly for students, faculty, and staff, often working outside his job description. The letter emphasizes that Mr. Spillman has helped develop many innovative student support programs and always conducts himself with professionalism and integrity. He is praised as an excellent administrator and true student

1. January 4, 2017
Dear Search Committee,
This is a strongletter of recommendation for Mr. Tom Spillman as heseeks to advancein his professional career in
Higher Education.I have known and been supervised by Mr. Spillman sinceI was hired here at Mt. San Jacinto
College (MSJC) over 10 years ago. He is highly competent, ever-growing, always professional,and a very
passionateDean of Student Services and Counseling. His skillsand abilities far outweigh his peers, as he is
constantly seekingnew and innovativeways of servingand providingeducational services.He is a brightand
thoughtful individual and is a natural leader,especially in workingwith at-risk and diversepopulations in the
community collegesystem. He is alwayson the cutting-edge of ways to advanceprograms and leverage resources
to better serve student needs within the Department of Student Services and Instructional Programs,such as Dual
Enrollment.
Mr. Spillman has been an advocate for his faculty and staff under himand students whileat Mt. San Jacinto
College in the capacity as a Dean and within student development. He works tirelessly,often outside the confines
of his job description and work week, to ensure that such efforts areconsistently atthe forefront. Mr. Spillman is
always flexiblewhen problems arisewithin the districtand is firstto volunteer when there needs to be gaps filled
in on short notice.
As an employee at Mt. San Jacinto College, Mr. Spillman has worked with administrators,faculty,and classified
staff on many innovativeinitiatives,as thecampus grows more rapidly than its resources,and workingtoward
developing student supportprograms. He always conducts himself with outstandingprofessionalismand the
utmost integrity. He has helped individual students as an educational leader within all areasof student services
such as Counseling,EOPS, DSPS, Upward Bound, student life, Student Government Association (SGA),Athletics,
Dual Enrollment, committee membership, community partnerships,and participatory governance.He works
extremely well with other administrators,faculty,and classified staff to offer programs and initiatives and is a
great communicator with individuals of all backgrounds.
Pleaseknow that you would be receivinga true Student Services professional and an excellentadministrator. Mr.
Spillman is someonewho cannotbe duplicated and for whom a campus would be fortunate to employ
permanently as an executive administrator.He has been an inspiration and rolemodel for me sinceI started here
and would love to followin his footsteps into administration someday.Pleaseletme know if you have any further
questions or need further recommendation for Mr. Spillman.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Burleson, EdD
MSJC AssociateProfessor,Tenured Counselor
Student Athlete Support Program Coordinator