March 3, 2016

To whom it may concern,

I write to offer my support for Kelsey Nerland as a promising leader and emerging young
professional in the field of student affairs. In my capacity as Assistant Director of the
Center for Student Involvement at Seattle University, and as Kelseys supervisor for the
past year, I have seen her embrace a positive and student-centered approach to her work
with students. In that time, Kelsey has developed as a competent professional who is
adept in student advisement and supervision, as well as program management. I truly
believe that Kelsey will make an important impact on the lives of students and on our
field through her continued work.
Kelsey advises Seattle University Dance Marathon (SUDM). Her interactions with
students are well-regarded because of her optimism, results-focused questioning, and
frequent affirmation. Kelsey is skilled at identifying the anxieties of student leaders and,
through dialogue, helping them to find remedies to their concerns. On many occasions, I
have witnessed Kelsey get to the bottom of an issue by connecting with students on a
deeper and emotional level. I know that students in SUDM trust Kelsey as both an
advisor and as a friend. Additionally, her technological and creative skills create
relevancy to our students, which contributes to her success. In addition to advising
SUDM, Kelsey handles all of the social media for the Center for Student Involvement.
Kelsey always approaches these hundreds of tasks with intention, professionalism, and
style. Our social media reach has extended significantly this year, and Kelsey created that
movement with little direction. Our office has benefitted tremendously from her efforts,
and involvement and leadership at SU is in a better place because of Kelsey.
Many professionals in higher education are involved in creating experiences for students
through event management. I was very impressed with Kelseys work on SUs Christmas
tree lighting ceremony. She maintains a level of physical organization that any
professional would covet and laud. Her communication with campus partners and thirdparty vendors is superb, and ability to articulate a vision and make it come to fruition is
excellent.
Our one-on-one conversations are regularly sparked by things Kelsey has learned in her
graduate studies, which leads me to believe that she will continue to explore the trove of
scholarship in our field. I also believe that she is poised to make significant contributions
to the future of student affairs through exploration of thought, and through continued
connection to students. The future is bright for Kelsey Nerland, and as a result, so is the
future of student affairs.
Sincerely,

Nayland S. Olsen
Assistant Director of the Center for Student Involvement
CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

901 12th Avenue, P.O. Box 222000, Seattle, WA 98122

(206) 296-6238

olsenn@seattleu.edu