SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES

November 1, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Associate Dean Melanie
Borrego, and to offer my most enthusiastic support that she be promoted to Associate Professor.
I have known Dr. Borrego since I began as a full-time faculty member over five years ago, when
we were both hired by Brandman University and attended orientation together. During these five
years, I have had multiple opportunities to observe and benefit from Dr. Borregos commitment to
Brandmans mission. Dr. Borrego has contributed to a broad range of achievements at Brandman,
and she excels in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. In working with Dr. Borrego on
the Liberal Studies Curriculum Team and projects essential to the functioning of the university, I
have consistently counted on her willingness to serve and provide guidance, never in a perfunctory
role but rather always with the maximum devotion and commitment. In every situation, Dr.
Borrego demonstrates an exemplary spirit of collegiality and collaboration. She is a treasured
colleague and an essential member of the university community.
Anyone at this university who has had the good fortune to work with Dr. Borrego has come to
know her as a respected teacher, an astute scholar, and a compelling advocate for students and
instructors. A cursory glance at her resume shows that Dr. Borrego has created and taught a great
variety of courses, and indeed worked on major program revisions that have enriched the
curriculum of the AA program and the Applied Studies program. Not only has she taught a range
of courses, but she has collaborated with colleagues on curriculum team projects that have made
some the most meaningful contributions to a students college educational experience by serving as
head of the Liberal Studies Curriculum Team. As the Associate Dean for Undergraduate
Education she actively serves on various School of Arts and Science teams, always keeping the
interests of students and colleagues front and center in her contributions to deliberation and
decision-making. Dr. Borrego has also proposed a number of innovative and exciting new courses
for the Applied Studies program in addition to reviewing and managing the Associate of Arts
program. The evidence of her efforts can be seen throughout the School of Arts and Sciences,
which is far better for her participation in its constant improvement.
As a scholar, Dr. Borrego has somehow managed to publish a wonderful article, which includes
her study of alternative forms of education, homeschooling in particular, and has delivered a
number of well-received presentations on a variety of educational approaches at conferences, an
ideal ambassador for our innovative institution. Under the continued leadership of Dr. Borrego,
student and instructor issues are at the lowest levels in five years.
In her role as professor and Associate Dean, Dr. Borrego has helped to build a department that is
a model of interdisciplinary and collegial work and created a welcoming space for students, as well
as for both full-time and adjunct faculty members. As one of her fortunate colleagues, I look
forward to attending meetings and eventsespecially the retreats to see firsthand the remarkable
rapport she has with faculty and students.

In the five years that I have worked with Dr. Borrego, she has always met the highest standards of
excellence. Her work is impeccable. Her professionalism in every situation is exemplary. Her
commitment to this university, her colleagues, and her students is unwavering. I cannot think of
anyone more deserving of promotion to Associate Professor than Dr. Melanie Borrego. She has
my very highest recommendation.
Yours truly,

Ned Camuso, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Humanities
Associate Dean for Student and Faculty Affairs