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=Dr. Marcos J. Montero-Lares= Directions: To enter text click Edit this Page, enter text, and Save. I will create additional pages as needed. Please start your entry with the following information.
 * Name and job title: Marcos J. Montero-Lares, Instructional Developer and Blackboard System Administrator, Hamline University
 * Graduation Date or Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2011
 * Name of Course(s) for which I was your teacher: Independent Study, 2006-2007.
 * Title of Dissertation/Capstone: "The Implementation of ePortfolio Programs in Transformational Change (A Case Study of Three Two-Year Colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System."

I am a graduate of the Doctorate in Public Administration program ofered by the Hamline University School of Business. Dr. Vivian Johnson acted as Vice-Chair for my dissertation committee. I also worked with her on an independent study as part of my doctoral coursework.

Because my research topic was related to education public policy, early on, I identified the need for a committee member with strong background and experience in higher education and public policy. When checking with friends and colleagues, I was strongly encouraged to consider Dr. Johnson. She was a great teacher, advisor, and mentor throughout my dissertation journey.

Dr. Johnson demonstrated strong knowledge in the areas of educational technology implementation, educational change management, education public policy, and qualitative/case study research methodology. She was available to meet with me and provide advise throughout my dissertation process -- even when doing so meant additional work on her part. She was an outstanding dissertation advisor -- especially because of her knowledge in methodology, academic writing, and APA style and format. She read numerous drafts of my work, and always provided detailed, clear, and insightful feedback. Also, she was always there to provided support and encouragement.

Dr. Johnson is a systems thinker. She is good at understanding both the big picture and the details of situations. I remember the usefulness of her charts and diagrams when we were trying to conceptualize and make sense of complex issues and topics. This was of great help to me as I was developing my dissertation proposal as well as analyzing and interpreting research findings. She always challenged me to think comprehensively but also keep an eye on simplicity.

I believe that my experience working with Dr. Johnson will continue to have an impact on both my professional practice and my personal life. As I moved into teaching and more recently into dissertation mentoring at Capella University, I strive to model Dr. Johnson's approach and commitment to helping, supporting, and encouraging students/advisees.

Dr. Johnson is truly a remarkable professional and educator. I consider myself very fortunate to know her and have worked with her as advisee and mentee. I highly recommend Dr. Johnson for tenure at Hamline University. She demonstrates Hamline University's commitment to student learning and excellence in teaching and learning.

Respectfully,

Dr. Marcos J. Montero-Lares mjml1974@gmail.com