January 14, 2003

To Whom It May Concern,

It was a little over three years ago that I met Dr. Brewer over the phone when I called the Human Resource Development department. Dr. Brewer was extremely nice and invited me in to talk personally about my interest in pursuing a Master’s degree in this area. As a result of this meeting, I decided to apply to the program. From that time on, Dr. Brewer kept in touch with me every step of the way, from being accepted to the program to scheduling my classes. Every semester, he consistently provided advice on classes to take and any other advice I needed.

In the fall of 2001, I took my first class taught by Dr. Brewer. He is, by far, one of the best teachers at the University of Tennessee. He cared very much if we learned. I have no doubt that he spent a large chunk of time preparing for class because he always used Adult Learning techniques when teaching. Having been a trainer, I know that keeping adults entertained and interactive while still learning takes a lot of prep time, and Dr. Brewer’s class was consistently entertaining and interactive. Even though the work in that class was some of the most challenging I did while at UT, I enjoyed it because the learning was so practical and useful. To me, Dr. Brewer is the best kind of teacher that exists: tough, caring, and entertaining.

When I began my thesis, I had no doubt that I wanted Dr. Brewer to be my committee chair. He had shown with his words and actions that he sincerely cared about his students. I knew that he would be there with me every step of the way, and he was. Dr. Brewer somehow had the ability to know just what to say and when to say it. His constant, reassuring presence helped me to finish my thesis. And his desire to have you do your very best made me extremely proud of the finished product.

I hope that everyone at the University of Tennessee realizes what a gem they have in Dr. Brewer. I am writing because I have so rarely experience the kindness, caring, and intelligence shown by Dr. Brewer, and I want to make sure that he gets the credit he deserves for his years of tireless and exceptional service.

Angela M. Hill, M.S.
Program Manager
Domestic Violence Unit
Knoxville Police Department

January 8, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

I graduated from the University of Tennessee in December, 2002, with a Ph.D. in HRD. Dr. Brewer was chairman of my doctoral committee. I have more than 20 years of experience in human resources management and have taught on an adjunct basis for a local college for more than a decade.

I benefited greatly from Dr. Brewer’s strong emphasis on planning. As a new advisee, he spent sufficient time with me so that I had a solid understanding of degree requirements and timelines, and this served as an effective roadmap throughout my studies. His attention to detail and follow-up were instrumental to the successful completion of my dissertation. With great precision Dr. Brewer guided me through my research and around or over a number of obstacles. He took interest in me as a person, and gave me the confidence to persevere. He instilled in me the importance of scholarly work and publishing my results.
As a teacher, he is an engaging lecturer that makes learning a positive experience while giving challenging assignments. As an academic advisor, his knowledge of registration and program requirements is accurate and precise. As a committee chair, he is thoughtful, thorough and the consummate professional.

As a busy executive who commuted 86 miles to campus, I was especially appreciative of Dr. Brewer’s accessibility. It was not uncommon for him to return my after-hours calls from his home, or to meet me early in the morning or on weekends to accommodate my erratic work-related travel. Yet this is the reputation he has among all of his advisees.

Perhaps the best measure of success is the impression the student has of the advisor and the university once the official relationship ends. I departed with very positive feelings for my school and with extremely high regard for Dr. Brewer. My expectation is that he and I will continue our mentor-protégé relationship at some level, and anticipate additional collaboration on research and publication activities in the years to some.


Daniel L. Gilbert, Ph.D.
Vice President of Human Resources
Parkridge Medical Center
Chattanooga, Tennessee

January 3, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

As chairperson of my committee, Dr. Brewer gave 200% to the job. Dr. Brewer’s devotion to helping me succeed is something I will forever cherish. Frankly without his continued support, I might have been tempted to give up. Dr. Brewer’s extensive knowledge, his attention to detail, his willingness to meet me whenever and wherever I needed face-to-face consultation, and his constructive feedback on my study were things that not too many students receive from their committee members and even their chairperson.

Although Dr. Brewer probably works harder and longer than anyone else I know, he always managed to maintain a sense of humor and professionalism. Dr. Brewer not only set high standards for himself and for me but he was unwavering in his commitment to my being successful in the pursuit of a doctorate degree. While I appreciate and praise my other committee members, I frankly don’t think I could have accomplished my degree without Dr. Brewer’s leadership and support.

Vivian Marshall, Ph.D.
Training Manager
Olin Chlor-Alkali Products

January 15, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

As chair, Dr. Brewer always paid attention to every detail regarding both my course work and my doctoral dissertation. I always appreciated his willingness to meet with me, the precise feedback that he provided on my study, and his overall commitment to excellence. Dr. Brewer handled every meeting with me, and my committee, with a high sense of professionalism.

Dr. Brewer’s high standards and his commitment ot maintain those standars presented me with obstacles that at the time I felt were more than what I could possibly overcome. This particular and challenging approach enabled me to believe in myself and in my abilities so that I could move to the next level.

Maria Rodrigquez-Calcagno, Ph.D.

January 15, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

In looking back on my master’s committee experiences some of the things I most appreciate about Dr. Brewer was his allowing me the opportunity to incorporate a topic that was of great interest to me into the arena of Human Resource Development. His persistent advice and support were relentless in seeing this project through to completion. He always had a genuine interest in my success as a master’s thesis student, and he accepted nothing less than the best possible work I could do.

Dr. Brewer was not only my committee chair he was a role model and mentor to me. He handled every encounter with an unwavering sense of professionalism. He provided an enormous amount of feedback on my study that enabled me to produce a thesis of which I am extremely proud to have on the shelves at Hodges Library. Dr. Brewer’s high standards and his unwavering commitment to maintain those standards presented me with what seemed unrealistic challenges. However, in his characteristic fashion he enabled me to turn such unrealistic challenges into realistic opportunities, which ultimately helped me grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Ruth Ann Looney
Benefits Specialist
Baptist Health System

To Whom It May Concern

I am currently working in what I hope are the final phases of my doctoral program, and plan to graduate in May, 2003. Dr. Brewer has been instrumental in this process by providing the guidance I need to meet all deadlines.

Dr. Brewer always finds time in his busy schedule to address the concerns of his graduate students; he is very accessible, and willing to meet with us as needed. His knowledge of the procedures and policies concerning the doctoral program has been invaluable to me, providing the guidance I need to meet all deadlines.

Dr. Brewer’s attention to detail, including his dedication to reviewing and providing feedback, has helped me to understand the research and writing requirements of the doctoral program. His relentless focus on excellence sets a standard for his students to emulate.

As a non-traditional student who has worked fulltime during most of my tenure as a graduate student, Dr. Brewer has been most understanding of the challenges and demands this situation presents, and has worked with me to address each obstacle as it arose. His sense of humor always helped me keep everything else in perspective!

It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to write this letter in support of Dr. Brewer and his unwavering commitment to students, and to the learning process. He is the type of professor that sets the standard for others. . . .the students he works with and the University of Tennessee are the greatest benefactors.

Patsy A. Ezell
Extension Program Leader

January 22, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

I am providing the following letter as part of the post tenure review documentation for Dr. Ernest W. Brewer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In June 2002, I completed my Ph.D. in Human Ecology with an emphasis in Human Resource Development (HRD).

My personal history with the graduate program at UTK includes many unpleasant situations that started with my studies in Interior Design. Dr. Brewer recognized my abilities and fostered my continued pursuit of a Ph.D. as the Interior Design graduate program was dismantled. I was encouraged by key faculty and administration to complete my graduate career in Human Resource Development. During the first two years after I completed the HRD coursework and passed my comprehensive exams, I experienced several of life’s situations that are typical of women my age. Without the unwavering support of Dr. Brewer during the five years of my HRD dissertation work, I would not have completed my degree.

As chair of my committee, Dr. Brewer requested a historical analysis of a pertinent HRD topic to add to the cadre of topics and research approaches of dissertations in the program. For many personal and professional reasons, this approach was difficult for me. During the final year of my dissertation work, I was a full time professional, part time manager, mother of a four-year-old son, and a wife with a husband in graduate school. Dr. Brewer encouraged me under incredible circumstances and I completed a large and significant study that has helped me in my present position in the UTK system (Coordinator and Lecturer for the required Human Ecology 410).

Dr. Brewer expected a high degree of professionalism and productivity. I had faith that if I could make it to the next step that he would encourage me to the next goal. For me, the scope of my project (500 pages, 880 references, and 40 surveys) required his partnership in editing and final layout. I would not have finished the project without his characteristic support as needed attitude.

Sincerely,

Janis Brickey
M.S. Interior Design
Ph.D. Human Ecology

January 12, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

In August 2002, I graduated from UTK with a Masters in HRD. In regards to thesis research, Dr. Brewer taught me more than any HRD professor. Dr. Brewer’s keen attention to detail and his effective feedback he provided on my thesis made Dr. Brewer stand out as a professor and HRD professional. For reasons out of my control, I had to change committee members in the middle of my thesis process. Dr. Brewer immediately took initiative to help select a new member. Dr. Brewer even came in on his day off to meet me to sign a form for me. I was extremely grateful for Dr. Brewer’s actions. Dr. Brewer leads an extremely hectic and busy schedule. Yet, he puts his students first and takes pride in helping his students.

The HRD department at UTK relies, in large part, upon its professsors. When I was a HRD graduate student, I relied upon my professors to offer advice and guidance to improve my skills and to develop me into a valuable HRD professional. Dr. Brewer by far exceeded my expectations as a professor and committee member. He handled every encounter with a high sense of professionalism and more times than not provided more helpful information than my entire committee combined. Dr. Brewer’s high standards and expertise have generally improved the integrity of the UTK HRD department.

Dr. Brewer is a true leader and valuable asset to the college. His gift with life is teaching and guiding students in HRD research.

Beth Brown
Advancement Assistant
UT Advancement Services

January 15, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

Dr. Brewer was one of the most important factors to me entering the HRD doctoral program and was an essential part of my dissertation process. His presence was felt and appreciated at every stage of the academic process. He served as my first academic advisor in the doctoral program, provided support throughout my coursework, and finally served as an important member of my doctoral committee.

Dr. Brewer was an excellent committee member and exceeded all of my expectations. His expertise in writing and research, attention to detail, and untiring professionalism were greatly appreciated in the doctoral process. I actively recruited Dr. Brewer to participate in my doctoral committee and felt that his characteristically high standards and unwavering commitment were essential to my completing this degree with a dissertation I could be proud of. One a more personal note, I can always count on Dr. Brewer to provide encouragement and enthusiasm for my continued professional and personal development.

Fredrick A. Randall, Ph.D.
Instructional Designer
Eastman Chemical Company

January 10, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

I graduated from UTK in 2002 with an MS in Human Ecology—HRD. Dr. Brewer was the stalwart of my committee. Thinking about the ups and downs I experienced during those times makes me appreciate Dr. Brewer all the more. My chair retired and I had to revamp my entire methodology. Dr. Brewer’s support and guidance during this two years project helped to sustain me and motivate me to keep fighting. Dr. Brewer was a source of emotional sustenance, a role model and an example of total professionalism. Even before he joined my committee every contact I had with Dr. Brewer left me energized and filled with resolve. I felt as if I were some how special that he would go out of his way to spend a few minutes with me, especially since I never had a class with him. His critique of my proposal resulted in numerous improvements to my work. His grasp of the research process and his ability to impart that to students is one of Dr. Brewer’s special gifts. Dr. Brewer would spend hours reviewing my work and but I knew that every mark of his red pencil was for my benefit.

Dr. Brewer demands much of himself and of his students. The appropriateness of the former is manifest and the latter a golden opportunity ot reach the highest rung of one’s potential. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to provide this letter of support on Dr. Brewer’s behalf.

Ed Riddle
3815 Profitt Lane
Knoxville, TN 37931-1514

January 6, 2003

To Whom It May Concern

Dr. Brewer was my professor for HRD 504, Research in HRD and also agreed to serve on my master’s committee. As I prepare to defend my thesis, Dr. Brewer has been instrumental as a committee member in providing feedback on my study and encouragement along the way. As an instructor, he continually challenged me and the others in the class to strive for excellence.

Dr. Brewer’s professionalism and his unique sense of humor have provided a spark to me when needed as I worked full-time, attended UTK part-time, and maintained a home life with my children and husband. He is a wonderful resource and readily available when called upon for assistance.

M. Kathryn Rhodes
Director of Distance Education
Roane State Community College