Jamie Ellis, Resident Director

Department of Residence Life

Lake Shore Campus
1032 West Sheridan Rd. | Chicago, Illinois 60660
p (773) 508-8140 | f (773) 508-3311
jellis4@luc.edu

March 28, 2015

Dear Higher Education ePortfolio Committee,

I have worked with Andrea De Leon for two years in the Department of Residence Life at Loyola
University Chicago and served as her direct supervisor during her first year as an Assistant Resident
Director (ARD). Throughout my time working with Andrea, I have been impressed by her clear passion
and commitment to the field of higher education. Andrea brings a sense of enthusiasm, dedication, and
critical thought to her work with students. In seeing Andrea grow and create her path for the past two
years, I am excited to have the opportunity to highlight her many talents she brings to the field.

Andrea entered her first year as an ARD with a clear excitement both to work with students and to learn
more about the field of student affairs and Residence Life as a functional area. It was evident that
Andreas undergraduate experience had a profound impact upon her life and she sought to provide this
same level of care with the students she interacted with as an ARD. Andrea directly supervised seven
RAs during her first year. In these experiences she sought to be intentional and mindful of the needs of
each supervisee through an individualized supervision approach. In knowing the needs of her students,
she created an environment where the needs of each supervisee were met; whether that was
facilitating discussion on current events for a returner RA who needed limited direction to assisting in
the organization of another RA who struggled meeting deadlines. All of Andreas supervisees received
similar support in that Andrea focused greatly on personal and professional development, but Andrea
was able to supplement this supervision with the individualized approach with each staff member.

As a true scholar-practioner, Andrea excels in her academic coursework. Andrea holds her academics to
a high regard and is committed to learning and applying course material. She challenges herself to think
critically about the information being presented in her classes and applies this knowledge to inform her
work with students. She also serves as a member of a research team assisting Dr. John Dugan write a
new text on student leadership development. Andrea is also committed to learning outside of the
classroom. Throughout her role as an ARD, Andrea has been committed to learning different portions of
the role and asking questions to glean valuable insights. As her supervisor, I would often invite Andrea
into various conversations and seek her perspective on issues. These small lessons helped not only
Andrea but also myself see student concerns from different perspectives and proved to be strong
knowledge building opportunities. Andreas commitment to learning has not only allowed her to
develop academically, but also to learn practical skills essential to residence life such as conduct and
conflict resolution, crisis response, community building, operations management, advising, and
programming.

Perhaps Andreas greatest area of growth throughout her graduate experience has been her
understanding of and commitment to cultural competence. Andrea entered Loyola with a foundational
knowledge of cultural competence through her involvement with the Mount Leadership Program at
Ohio State University. Through her time at Loyola, Andrea has been able to draw upon this knowledge
and seek understanding of social justice from a Jesuit lens. Much of Andreas development in this area
began with the social justice and student development theory courses. Andrea has able to connect
many lessons to her work with students and provided space for her supervisees to share their stories.

Whether it has been through reflection after hearing supervisees life experiences or being an
outspoken staff member within the Department in regard to current events, Andrea has increased her
awareness, application of knowledge and perspective taking, and ability to bring this knowledge to
others throughout her graduate experience.

It has truly been a pleasure working with Andrea throughout her time as an ARD at Loyola University
Chicago. Andreas commitment to the field, her students, and her own development is evident. As a
professional, Andrea will continue to grow while applying and building upon knowledge gained
throughout her graduate experience. I am excited to welcome Andrea into the field of higher education
and work with her as a trusted colleague.

Sincerely,




Jamie Ellis, MS
Resident Director
Loyola University Chicago