March 28, 2017

M.Ed., Higher Education Program

Loyola University Chicago, School of Education
820 N. Michigan
Chicago, Illinois 60611

To Whom It May Concern,

I have had the honor of embarking on this journey through Loyola University Chicago (LUC)
Masters of Higher Education program with my friend and fellow colleague, Christian Hightower.
These past two years in our program would not have been nearly as enlightening without
Christians insightful input and intellectual presence in and outside of the classroom. His
advanced understanding of leadership and student development theories, ability to incorporate
his critical social justice lens in every realm of work, and his apparent drive to make a positive
impact in students lives make him an outstanding asset for any institution.

I could instantly tell in our first graduate course together of our programs first semester that
Christians undeniable passion for the field of higher education combined with his various
professional experiences speaks volumes on the impressionable contributions he will make to our
field after earning his degree. Four semesters later, I have witnessed his ambition for higher
education grow and blossom in and outside of the classroom. My growth through this journey
can be largely attributed to Christians constant support, continuous encouragement, and knack
for challenging me with care during class discussions and group assignments. Christians
admirable work ethic and keen attention to detail are apparent in his academic work, leadership
research involvements, and commitment to students as one of LUCs Assistant Resident
Directors where he advises and supports 26 student resident advisors. His contagious presence
raises the standards of what an exceptionable practitioner exemplifies, which makes those around
him simply want to reach those newly set exceptional standards as well.

Addressing systematic inequities and organizational challenges, critically dissecting how

intersecting social identities impact students experiences, and bringing a refreshing social justice
perspective to various spaces are indubitable aspects of what makes Christian such an impactful
leader. His humbly insightful, yet still inquisitive nature, reflects the character of a leader that is
an emerging expert in his work and field. I witnessed this part of Christian come alive while
serving on the Journal of Critical Scholarship on Higher Education and Student Affairs editorial
board together, as well as engaging in several affinity space dialogues centered around topics of
access, equity, inclusion, and institutionalized oppression in the context of higher education
being a reflection of our larger society.

Christians unwavering dedication to excellence is imprinted in everything that he does.

As a practitioner, he is committed wholeheartedly to making his work student-centered. As a
peer, Christian has demonstrated how to consistently encourage, support, and constructively
challenge someone to help them grow and develop. As a friend, Christian has shown me how
important it is to ground what I do in research, care, and social justice. Therefore, it is with great
anticipation that I look forward to witnessing the next level of Christians revolutionary
contributions to the field of higher education.

Sincerely,

Ayanna Williams
M.Ed. Candidate, Higher Education, Loyola University Chicago 2017