LEIGH ANN WILSON, PH.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, HISTORY

August 26, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is in support of Dr. Melanie Borregos application for Professor in the School of Arts
and Sciences (SAS) at Brandman University. My relationship with Dr. Borrego reaches back to
my initial Skype panel interview in the spring of 2012 for the position of Assistant Professor of
History.
After I was selected for the position, Dr. Borrego served as my official mentor for the academic
year 2012-2013. This was the first of many gifts that Brandman has given me over the years.
Because of her fair-mindedness and no-nonsense attitude, I was immediately drawn to her and
listened carefully to her wise advice on a number of issues. I felt confident that her suggestions
were not only thoughtful and fair, but professional and level-headed.
It is difficult for me to overstate how much I have learned from observing Dr. Borregos
leadership style over the last four years. She has consistently been willing to gather knowledge
and share it with others, whether that was via her leadership as chair of the Liberal Studies
Curriculum Team, or in her role as Associate Dean in mediating student/faculty grade appeals or
dealing with challenging adjunct faculty members.
If she did not have a particular piece of needed information, she was not afraid to admit this and
would reply, I dont know, but we can find out. Lets ask (person) or lets look (place). And
she would always know how to find the desired information and would follow through on her
promises to find out without fail.
Because of her unimpeachable integrity, wisdom, and ability to objectively and rationally look at
complex situations and make wise decisions, I have come to depend upon her leadership and
collegiality. I have asked for her insight countless times and even if the answer was not
particularly what I wanted to hear, I knew that she would be honest with me and always had
fairness and my best interests at heart.
One of my favorite attributes that Dr. Borrego possesses is her ability to negotiate difficult
situations. I have seen her calm the most incensed faculty members and students without
becoming rattled herself, leaving everyone, if not pleased, at least satisfied that they have been
heard. Her tact and demeanor are exemplary, and she sets an example for her peers to model
themselves.

Brandman University
16355 Laguna Canyon Road Irvine, CA 92618

Therefore, I feel there is no one more deserving or better suited to hold the title of Professor than
Dr. Borrego. She is a true asset in every way to Brandman University, and our institution is
greatly enhanced because of her many contributions.
Respectfully submitted,

Leigh Ann Wilson, Ph.D.

Chapman University College, San Diego Campus

7460 Mission Valley Road
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 296-8660
Fax: (619) 296-8690