February 27, 2015

Student Development Administration Portfolio Committee

College of Education
Seattle University
901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Dear Portfolio Committee:
I am writing this letter on behalf of Bobby Helton to speak to his promise as a Student Affairs
professional. I have had the great opportunity to call Bobby my classmate, colleague, and friend.
Throughout the last two years, I have seen his skills on both a professional and personal level. It
is with Bobbys support that I have been able to grow during my time at Seattle University. It is
an honor to write about his exceptional skills in the Student Affairs profession. Bobby has
showcased skills in the following areas: collaboration, leadership, and attention to academics
within Student Affairs.
Throughout my time in the SDA program, I have been able to watch Bobby show great
competence in his collaboration skills. I was able to see Bobby's collaboration skills first hand as
we worked together on the Institute on Social Justice planning committee. While working on the
team Bobby would give his input as well as ask others for their opinions. He maintained a
healthy balance that allowed me and others to feel comfortable working with him. In addition to
professional work, I have had the opportunity to see Bobbys collaboration skills in class. In our
Education 5200: Social Justice in Professional Practice class, I worked with Bobby on a large
group project. Throughout the project, Bobby was intentional about hearing everyones opinions
before the group made a concrete decision. Bobby would also offer to take on more work if a
group member was not able to complete their task. Bobbys input, inclusive nature, and
willingness to help make him an exceptional professional to collaborate with. I am confident that
he will continue to be an asset to any group he works with in the future.
Bobbys leadership skills may be the most evident piece of his professional practice to me. His
leadership style encompasses much of his skill in collaboration as he tends to allow others to feel
a sense of ownership rather than dictating a process. In his role as the LGBTQ Program
Coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Bobby showcased his leadership while
serving as the chair of the Lavender Graduation Celebration committee. Bobby successfully led
professionals, undergraduate students, and graduate students to create their own ideas for this
celebration. Bobby empowered members of the committee to take ownership of the event and to
work together on many tasks. In his internship at Transylvania University, Bobby was able to
lead a group of students to welcome incoming students to their campus. Bobby used his
leadership skills to learn from the students and offer new ideas on how to get their tasks done.
Bobbys leadership style will continue to be evidence of his focus on students and growth. His
leadership style will greatly serve the institutions he works with in the future.
Lastly, I could not write a letter about Bobby without acknowledging his dedication to including
academics in his work as a Student Affairs professional. Working with Bobby on the Seattle

901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

seattleu.edu

University Student Development Administration Executive Team, I was able to see his
dedication to integrating academics with the work we do in Student Affairs. Bobby served as a
MAGIS, an academic journal, Co-Editor in Chief where he empowered students to submit pieces
of their academic work. In addition to getting pieces for the journal, Bobby oversaw an Editing
Review Board that allowed graduate students to review the pieces submitted. In overseeing this
board, Bobby provided professional development opportunities to the students in order to help
them connect this experience to their professional practice. Bobbys integration of academics
into Student Affairs will greatly serve the institution he works with in the future.
I have appreciated seeing Bobby grow and develop his skills as a Student Affairs professional.
He is prepared to serve students from various backgrounds and help them succeed both in and
out of the classroom. I have no doubt that Bobby will make an excellent professional and look
forward to seeing him continue to grow in the future.
Sincerely,
Domonique Crosby
Masters of Education Candidate, Student Development Administration
Seattle University, June 2015

901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

seattleu.edu