Janae Burnett

72201Mara Lynn Rd.

Apartment 210
Little Rock, AR722Ol
Dear Chair:

to write this reference letter on behalf of Dr. Jim Varn. I have had the opportunity to
engage in several classes which were led by his superb teaching abilities. Dr. Varn is one of the many
great educators who are always working to move MississippiValley State University forward in a positive
manner. During my interactions with him I found him to be hardworking, dedicated, and sincere about
all of the tasks that he engaged in. tn fact, he always went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure
that each of the students in his classes were actively learning and grasping each concept that was being
taught. Dr. Varn himself was a great person, but his teaching methods were also.
I am very privileged

Prior to entering the courses which were taught by Dr. Varn, I was used to lectures that did not involve
any interaction from the student body. However, upon entering each of his courses, I discovered that his
classes and methods of teaching were completely different. He was a universal teacher. Dr. Varn utilized
other means of teaching which proved to be very effective. For example, instead of standing before the
class for an entire hour lecturing, Dr. Varn took advantage of Power Point presentations, technological
devices, audio devices, video devices, and even the World Wide Web. Group projects were also
assigned randomly. Through these methods of teaching, I was able to interact with him and my fellow
colleagues as I engaged in the learning process. ln my opinion, Dr. Varn gave lecturing a whole new
meaning. His versatile methods of teaching helped him educate those who were Visual, Aural, Verbal,
Physical, Logical, Social, and Solitary learners.
There were many benefits I gained while being a student in his classes. Overall, I learned how to be an
analyticalthinker and find deeper meaning in literary passages. Through his guidance, I discovered that
literature always has a deeper meaning than what is written in the'printed text. I also learned how
technological devices can be used to help enhance the learning process when teaching English. Team
work also became a second hand skill for me, because it was definitely a requirement for success in each
of his courses. After completing all of the courses that I embarked upon under his leadership, I felt like I
was ready, equipped, and knowledgeable to be a great English professional with great substance.
ln conclusion, I would highly recommend Dr. Varn without any hesitations to be granted his request for
tenure. His is truly one of the greatest professors that MVSU has. lt is my ultimate belief that Dr. Varn
will continue to strive for excellence as he takes learning to another level at Mississippi Valley State
University. Through his innovative methods of teaching, he has helped change the lives of many
students that have taken his courses.

Sincerely,

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\plnae Brown-Burnett