Elizabeth Thomas has expansive potential as a higher education professional and alumna of the

Loyola University Chicago Higher Education Masters program. The wealth of skills and
experience she has cultivated in these two short years really speaks to her adaptability and the
value she brings to any work environment. Her commitment to social justice and student success
will inform her career in ways that make her a true change agent and transformative educator.

Elizabeths adaptability in institutions of higher education is unmatched. She has worked in a

diversity of roles and institutions in only two years as a full-time graduate student. Elizabeth has
experience with Campus Life at Illinois Institute of Technology, Orientation at California
Polytechnic State University, Residence Life at Roosevelt University, and Student Academic
Support and Leadership at Loyola University Chicago. Elizabeths commitment to student
leadership is evident in all of her working experiences, especially in her role as Leadership
Teaching Assistant, but also as Graduate Hall Coordinator for Programming and Governance at
Roosevelt University, and NODA Intern. Elizabeth has consistently prioritized empowering
student leaders in her work. These experiences make her a prime candidate for full-time roles
working with students in leadership development, or even in the classroom.

As a graduate student and in her working roles, Elizabeth has developed excellent facilitation
skills. Through courses such as Multiculturalism for Social Justice, Leadership, and the
corresponding Leadership Teaching Internship, Elizabeth has effectively learned to apply the
most relevant literature on facilitation to practice. Elizabeths ability to facilitate discussions and
group activities around topics such as leadership theory, identity development, diversity and
inclusion makes her a powerful educator for social change who can reach students on a personal
level.

In my experience working with Elizabeth, she is a tenacious, organized, and professional person
who is always willing to help others out by giving insight and sharing her experience. She has a
very positive attitude and is able to be flexible and push through uncertain circumstances with
bravery and grace. For example, when she suddenly had to move and find a new job this
semester, she executed her way through the transition quickly and purposefully. She looked on
the bright side of the situation and took advantage of the leadership teaching experience even
more because of these sudden changes. Elizabeth is not afraid to ask for help or make
compromises with her peers; these skills, coupled with her compassion and drive, will make her
endlessly successful in her career.

I believe without a doubt that Elizabeth Thomas will make a fine higher education professional
in any functional area to which she chooses to apply her talents. The students and professionals
she has interacted with thus far in her journey are fortunate to have had her contributions and
have surely grown in their roles because of her influence. Elizabeth is truly a change agent
committed to social justice in higher education. Her work and continued involvement in the
profession will advance the entire field for the better.