February 10, 2018

Dear Graduate Admissions:

I am writing in reference to Claudia Ko’s application for graduate study at your institution. I am
the Graduate Program Coordinator and a faculty member for the M.A. in Educational Leadership
Higher Ed program at Montclair State University. I have am both Claudia’s academic advisor
and professor. I have no doubt that she would be a strong asset to your graduate program
because of her dedication, leadership and investment in her educational career.

Claudia is an emerging Higher Education administrator and has done excellent work as both an
undergraduate and graduate student. I have heard this both from other administrators at the
university and from the faculty who teach her courses. As her instructor for Diversity in Higher
Ed, Claudia was prepared, thoughtful, and reflective. As with most diversity courses, many
students get weary and tired of dealing with issues of race and other marginalized identities.
However, Claudia was engaged in conversation with her peers and utilized listening skills and
empathy is open dialogue. She submitted papers that were well written and reflective. Her
critical thinking was also evident in our Program Planning class where Claudia worked
collaboratively with a peer to submit a University Strategic Plan that aligned with the mission of
the university. In the plan she submitted a SWOT analysis, campus climate overview as well as a
detailed timeline with a listing of key partners that would ensure success. In both courses,
Claudia’s papers adhered to APA standards and showed her ability to write at the graduate level.

Claudia is a model graduate student in our Higher Education administration program. She has
been an important mentor to incoming students as she worked closely with the previous Graduate
Program Coordinator to recruit potential students into our graduate program. She also is
committed to being a life long learner, as she has taken additional courses to increase her
awareness, knowledge and skills.

It is an absolute pleasure to have Claudia as a graduate student in my program. I have no doubt

she would be an excellent addition to your graduate program. If you have any additional
questions, please contact me at ayalas@montclair.edu or 973-655-3186.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

S. Ayala

Graduate Program Coordinator & Clinical Specialist

Montclair State University

MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY 07043 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION INSTITUTION