Justin B.

Walters
4655 Pine Ridge Dr Columbus IN 47201
706.580.5287 jbwalters1984@gmail.com

Human Resources 18 June 2021

Bemidji State University
1500 Birchmont Drive NE
Bemidji, MN 56601

Dear Sir or Madame,

I am writing in reference to the position of SUCCESS Coach. With nearly ten years of student facing work
primarily centered around supporting young people, I know I would be a great fit for the Bemidji State
University community. I have encountered few individuals who combine my interpersonal skills and ability to
connect with people with the absolute passion I have to see my students succeed on every level. If given the
opportunity to become a part of the Bemidji Advising Success Center, I am confident I would be a valuable
asset as you move forward with the Scaling Up College Completion Efforts for Student Success pilot program.

I have worked with an array of students from various cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds during
my adult life to provide both personal and academic guidance and support. My work has included organizing
educational and recreational activities, meeting weekly with students struggling with various issues,
monitoring student grades and attendance, documenting student engagements, and collaborating with
teachers and other administrators to facilitate student success. Many of the responsibilities of the SUCCESS
Coach are similar to those I fulfilled while employed at the Interlochen Arts Academy. From one on one
meetings with students to delivering residence hall programming for nearly eighty students, my caseload was
always full particularly during a COVID-19 year with its numerous attendant difficulties. While serving in loco
parentis, I provided guidance, support, and encouragement for my students in nearly all areas of their lives. I
consistently advocated for and engaged with my students and provided a high level of support that continued
even after the Academy had to move to remote learning. Both my Hall Manager and primary co-worker can
attest to my care and dedication to the work of student support during my time at the Academy.

Lastly, I wish to speak to my qualifications for this position. While my work at the Academy was with High
School students, I also worked as an intern for nearly two academic years serving as the Grad Staff
Coordinator where I managed the college age volunteer program for a nonprofit devoted to student
mentoring. I have worked with both high school and college students in a ministerial context assisting with
programs and events. For several years, I ran my own independent college ministry that regularly saw from 50
to 100 students participate. While completing my Master’s degree, I assisted first generation immigrant
students. I also have worked with arts students from around the globe and southern youth from rural and
inner-city backgrounds. I am skilled in dealing with adversity and have discovered ways to adapt while
creatively overcoming a variety of challenges. These experiences, particularly those encountered as part of
my own academic journey, help inform my interactions in support of others. Whether it’s preaching, teaching,
or one on one conversations, I possess excellent communications skills that saw me score in the 95th
percentile in the Verbal section of my GRE. I am a highly qualified applicant who would excel in implementing
this pilot program.

I truly believe that I would be a great fit for this position and would earnestly appreciate the opportunity to
further my candidacy for SUCCESS Coach at Bemidji State. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope
to hear back from you in regard to setting up a potential interview.

Best regards,
Justin Walters