f(x,y) = f(x,y) + root(2) f(x,y) = f(x,y) + root(2) f(x,y) = f(x,y) + root(2)

Office Phone: (502) 597-6605 E-mail: Suzette_Poison_akysu.edu

August 27, 2014

Dear Members of the Tenure and Promotion review committees, Chair Fariba Bigdeli-Jahed, Dean Sam Oleka:

It is my pleasure to support my colleague Dr. Tamara Sluss in her bid for the rank of full Professor at Kentucky State University. She has been working full time at KSU since the Fall 2005 term, so this will be her tenth year at KSU. In that time, Tamara has amassed many outstanding qualifications in teaching, service, and scholarly activity that make her worthy of consideration of this promotion. Documentation is important for any review such as this, I hope this letter is helpful to those who discuss her qualifications for this prestigious title. Since I have reviewed Tamara's professional accomplishments in her application for tenure and promotion in 2010, I will cite items for which I have seen documentation. I've indicated items supported with documentation with an asterisk(*). Tamara is also humble and collegial, which adds much more to these accomplishments.

Teaching. Dr. Sluss has provided ample evidence of her excellence in teaching including very favorable student-written teaching evaluations for non-major courses such as BIO 101-Q6 and a major course BIO 316. Recently, Dr. Sluss has worked with the AWA (Academics with Attitude) program for Q sections of BIO 101 requiring regular meetings with other AWA staff. She has consistently performed at the level of exceeding expectations according to several divisional benchmarks as cited below.

Tamara has developed several brand new courses at the undergraduate and graduate level that hadn't existed prior to her arrival at KSU. Many of these courses take students beyond KSU's campus and give them plenty of memorable "hands on" experiences.

Population and Community Ecology (ENV 502) taught (Fall 2010*, Fall 2012* - now online). Environmental Biology (BIO 103) - Fall 2008*. Spring 2012* for non-majors. Aquatic Ecology with lab (BIO 413/ENV 513) - Fall 2007*, Fall 2011* Ecological Field Methods with outdoor lab (BIO 417) - Fall 2012* Conservation Biology in Belize - (two-week study abroad program in Belize) Summer 2007.* Students visited many sites, and they seemed to enjoy the course thoroughly.* Study Abroad England/Ireland - fermentation processes. Winter 2011.*

In addition, Tamara had pivotal influence on two brand new degree programs and was very actively involved in teaching in the latter (until it was taken over by the new College of AFE):

Biotechnology Program (B.S.) Development Committee – 2005-07

Masters of Environmental Studies (developed with Dr. Kazi Javed) – 2008-09*.