UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

AT SPRINGFIELD

History Program
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
University Hall Building, Room 3050
One University Plaza, MS UHB 3050
~ringfield, Illir:ois 62703-5407
9 December 20 10
Search CommIttee
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN 37312

To the Search Committee,

I am writing to recommend, Albert Whittenberg, a recipient ofthe MA at our University,

for the position in public history at Middle Tennessee State University. As a Professor of History
and Chair of the Department, I knew Albert and his work over a period of four years (2002-06),
as a student and as a university employee. I found him to be an exceedingly intelligent and
dilligent individual, uniquely equipped to convey an analytical understanding of the historical
past while employing the most sophisticated modern communication technologies. Being
something of a technological neophyte myself, I placed considerable value on his expertise and
consistently good advice.

Mr. Whittenberg took several classes with me. He was invariably well-prepared and
thoughtful, a student who earned the respect of his cohort. His interests settled on exploring the
unhappy experience of John Wesley Harding as a missionary in Georgia, resulting in an MA
thesis that was informative and discerning. The thesis ably conveyed the sense of frustration that
Harding felt, demonstrating that his years in America helped to lay the foundation for later
success in England. Albert Whittenberg has the ability to make history come alive; no small asset
in a classroom.

While at UIS, Mr. Whittenberg served as the Associate Director of Educational

Technology. Anyone working in higher education understands the challenge of the technological
revolution that has occurred over the past decade. Albert was very instrumental in developing
new technological strategies on our campus, working with traditionalists such as myself to make
the transition with some grace, enabling the faculty to employ the new methodologies with
confidence. What made him truly invaluable was his ability to track and understand the latest
technical wonders and explain them to the rest of us in a comprehensive yet understandable
manner. The combination of historical sensitivity and media ability he represents is a truly rare
and valuable quality.

Moreover, Albert Whittenberg has the makings of an excellent colleague intellectually

capable, technologically knowledgeable, and admirably human. As much as anything, I miss
having ordinary conversations with him. He will make an excellent addition to your faculty.

Sincerely,

~Ih..~
Robert McGregor
Professor of History and Chair

Phone (217) 206-6779

a

UIS
Fax (217) 206-6217