SIERRA NEVADA Tae | COLLEGE 999 Tahoe Bhd, Incline Vilage, NV 89451 Ts311314 SirNevedsede February 10, 2015 To the Faculty of SNC: It is a pleasure to write a letter of support for Dr. Samantha Bankston’s advancement to Associate Professor. In her work with students and as a colleague, Dr. Bankston routinely brings a voice that is clear and challenging; coupled with her interdisciplinary interests, hers is a voice undeterred that adds significantly to the culture of SNC. | particularly value Dr. Bankston’s work with the art students. She provides not just a clear context for philosophical perspectives in her courses but also the generative skillsets of elucidating the point at hand and expressing broader positions with clarity. Her courses create the sleight of hand necessary for our students to craft their unique authorship in their work. Ideas from Dr. Bankston’s courses are often referred to in our students’ BFA meetings when students are clarifying their positions, and | can infer that she is giving not just the cultural/philosophical content but also the ability to question and generate ideas in her courses. As a colleague, | often seek out Dr. Bankston’s opinion because I can trust in a thoughtful and honest exchange ‘that pulls no punches and often surprises. ‘As SNC continues to move past its history as primarily a teaching institution to a place that is advancing the creative research of its professors, | appreciate Dr. Bankston’s scholarly work and her continued advocacy for the value and compensation of all of our research. Sincerely, Pad Dudley, MFA Professor