(date)
(address)
Dear (name):
This year Dr. XXXX is being considered for promotion to Professor. In accordance with Texas
Tech University’s promotion policies, one important element of the evaluation process is input
from distinguished scholars regarding Dr. XXXX’s contributions to the discipline.
You have been recommended as an appropriate person to provide an external evaluation of Dr.
XXXXs scholarly achievement. I would greatly appreciate your evaluation of Dr. XXXX’s
accomplishments in the area of scholarship, and to the extent you can, in the areas of teaching
and service. The University and the College want to advance only the best among us, those
faculty members who:
 superior level of academic achievement and professional reputation;
 national recognition;
 demonstrated continued growth in, and has a cumulative record of, teaching
effectiveness, substantial peer-review publication and/or peer reviewed creative activity,
and professional contributions and service.
Regarding scholarship, the Tenure and Promotion Committee is interested in your opinion of
the quality of Dr. XXXX’s research (grantsmanship and publications or creative activity), as well
as the level of its respect by other academic colleagues. We request that your evaluation
include the following:
 Does Dr. XXXX’s work, taken as a whole, constitute a serious and significant contribution
to the discipline?
 Is Dr. XXXX known and respected nationally?
 What is your assessment of Dr. XXXX’s contributions in the areas of research,
scholarship, or other creative activity?
 Is Dr. XXXX currently known as a scholar whose work is likely to be known and respected
by other leaders in the field?
 What is the nature of your professional contact with and knowledge of Dr. XXXX?
 Would Dr. XXXX be promoted at your institution?
 Do you recommend promotion for Dr. XXXX?
To assist you in your evaluation of Dr. XXXX’s teaching, research, and service performance, I am
enclosing the following material:
 Texas Tech University/College of Human Sciences Tenure and Promotion Policy
 Dr. XXXX’s vita
 A list of websites which offer further information regarding Dr. XXXX’s accomplishments.
After you examine this material, please feel free to call me at (phone) or email at XXXX should
you have any questions or concerns. A written response is requested by (date) so that the time
line can be met. Please be sure to include a brief bio with your recommendation letter.
Your response will be reviewed by the Department, College, and University Tenure and
Promotion Committees, the Provost, and the President. Otherwise it will be treated as
confidential to the extent permitted by law. Dr. XXXX will be allowed to view the response if
(he/she) so requests.
Having served as an external evaluator many times, I am well aware of the amount of work it
represents and appreciate your willingness to participate in the peer review. On behalf of the
(department/program) and the College of Human Sciences, I would like to thank you in advance
for your letter of evaluation of Dr. XXXX’s candidacy for promotion to the rank of Professor.
Sincerely,
(name)
(title)
Enclosure