8/6/2019 Robert McGregor Letter

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UNIVERSITY OF IL L INOIS AT SPRINGFIELD

History ProgramCollege of Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity Hall Building, Room 3050One University Plaza, MS UHB 3050 9 December 20 10~ r i n g f i e l d , Illir:ois 62703-5407Search CommItteeMiddle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN 37312To the Search Committee,

I am writing to recommend, Albert Whittenberg, a recipient ofthe MA at our University,for the position in public history at Middle Tennessee State University. As a Professor of Historyand Chair of the Department, I knew Albert and his work over a period of four years (2002-06),as a student and as a university employee. I found him to be an exceedingly intelligent anddilligent individual, uniquely equipped to convey an analytical understanding of the historicalpast while employing the most sophisticated modern communication technologies. Beingsomething of a technological neophyte myself, I placed considerable value on his expertise andconsistently good advice.

Mr. Whittenberg took several classes with me. He was invariably well-prepared andthoughtful, a student who earned the respect of his cohort. His interests settled on exploring theunhappy experience of John Wesley Harding as a missionary in Georgia, resulting in an MAthesis that was informative and discerning. The thesis ably conveyed the sense of frustration thatHarding felt, demonstrating that his years in America helped to lay the foundation for latersuccess in England. Albert Whittenberg has the ability to make history come alive; no small assetin a classroom.While at UIS, Mr. Whittenberg served as the Associate Director of Educational

Technology. Anyone working in higher education understands the challenge of the technologicalrevolution that has occurred over the past decade. Albert was very instrumental in developingnew technological strategies on our campus, working with traditionalists such as myself to makethe transition with some grace, enabling the faculty to employ the new methodologies withconfidence. What made him truly invaluable was his ability to track and understand the latesttechnical wonders and explain them to the rest of us in a comprehensive yet understandablemanner. The combination of historical sensitivity and media ability he represents is a truly rareand valuable quality.

Moreover, Albert Whittenberg has the makings of an excellent colleague intellectuallycapable, technologically knowledgeable, and admirably human. As much as anything, I misshaving ordinary conversations with him. He will make an excellent addition to your faculty.Sincerely,

~ I h . . ~ Robert McGregorProfessor of History and Chaira

Phone (217) 206-6779 Fax (217) 206-6217UIS