The Mazzotti Committee is proud to feature a panel of distinguished Rider women faculty and staff who will speak to their changemaker experiences as part of the morning program.
Susan Shiplett Ashbaker
Professor/Director of Westminster Opera Theatre for Westminster Choir College and Director for the CoOPERAtive Program
Susan has over 40 years of experience in the performing arts and is active in the opera and vocal worlds as an artistic advisor and consultant, master class presenter, lecturer and opera/vocal coach. Her experience on both sides of the opera industry gives her a rare and comprehensive approach to key elements of career advancement for singers as well as a unique vantage point in the administration of opera companies, arts organizations and institutions of higher learning. A 2024 recipient of the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award, Susan has helped foster an inclusive, equitable and supportive environment for all members of the campus community through her long-standing involvement with the Safe Zone program and her chairmanship of the Diversity and Inclusion Tripartite Committee. Susan trained at Southern Illinois University and l’École Normale de Musique de Paris, and received a second master’s degree in vocal accompanying and coaching from University of Illinois under the tutelage of John Wustman. She continues to adjudicate for The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and is the author of The Vocal Coach Approach: When Practice Makes Perfect, A guide to help singers of all levels learn to practice and love it!
Juanita Carroll
Administrative Specialist, Norm Brodsky College of Business
In 2017, Juanita founded Rider’s Tapestry Initiative, a student co-curricular initiative within the College of Arts and Sciences that engages students in unique media learning and teaching opportunities, including filmmaking, opinion and journalistically impactful reporting and community educational presentations that foster reflection of the cultural and life experiences of under-represented populations. Tapestry has hosted such icons as Dr. Loretta Long, known best as Susan on Sesame Street; Susan L. Taylor, editor emeritus of Essence Magazine; Angela Davis, civil rights activist; and Valerie Simpson, the prolific singer/songwriter of Ashford and Simpson fame. Tapestry’s newest venture, Tapestry for Business, is designed to mentor and support underrepresented students in the Norm Brodsky College of Business. Juanita is a 2022 recipient of the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award and a 2024 recipient of the Sadie L. Ziegler and Bernice Gee Award for her work in promoting gender equality. A first-generation college student, Juanita earned a BS in Social Work from Stockton University and a Masters of Legal Studies from Washington University in St. Louis.
Jeannine Dingus-Eason
Dean, College of Education and Human Services
As Dean, Jeannine leads with a deep commitment to advancing educational equity and research. A native of Rochester, NY, Jeannine earned her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Washington, after completing a Master’s in Secondary English Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a focus on African American literature from the University of Rochester. Jeannine’s scholarly work is centered on the experiences of Black women educators, with a particular focus on both historical and contemporary perspectives. Her recent book, A Thousand Worries: Black Women Mothering Autistic Sons, explores the intersection of race, gender, class, and disability, offering an intimate examination of Black mothers navigating the challenges of raising autistic sons. Jeannine’s research has been widely recognized for its contributions to understanding the complexities of race, identity, and caregiving within the Black community. Outside of her professional life, she is passionate about family, enjoys reading mystery novels, and loves traveling. She is married, a mother to one son, and a proud bonus mother and grandmother.
Jasmine Johnson
Director, Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Jasmine assumed her role as Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) in spring 2024. She came to Rider from Seton Hall University where she served as Student Success Advisor and Assistant Director for the Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Plus for its Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). She has devoted her career to promoting student success, diversity, equity and inclusion across higher education. In her leadership of CDI, Jasmine provides strategic vision for fostering an inclusive campus culture. Toward that end, she established the All Broncs BELONG (Build Emerging Leaders Opportunities, Networks & Growth-Mindsets) Alliance whose mission is to empower diverse first-year and transfer students in their transition to university life, cultivate a sense of belonging, and equip them with the skills and networks necessary for personal and professional success. Jasmine holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from The College of New Jersey and a Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Seton Hall University. She loves country music and cherishes her time with her husband and three-year old daughter.
Christine Mehlhorn
Dean of Students
During her almost 15-year career at Rider, Christine has risen in the ranks from her beginnings as Assistant Director of the New Student Resource Center, to Associate Director of First and Second Year Programs and Director of Transition Programs, and then to Associate Dean and now Dean of Students. She currently oversees offices dedicated to student health, well-being, and safety and leads efforts in crisis intervention, student advocacy, and fostering student success. A 2018 Mazzotti Award recipient and 2023 recipient of the Frank N. Elliott Award for Distinguished Service, Christine’s career at Rider reflects her strong work ethic and leadership and her commitment to student growth and development. She holds a B.S. from The College of New Jersey and an M.S. from Florida State University. Beyond her work in higher education, Christine serves on the Advisory Board and PTA Executive Board for St. Ann School in Lawrenceville where her two young sons are students.
Sharon Whitfield
Associate Professor - Librarian
Sharon is the Electronic Resources & User Access Librarian for University Library and has been with Rider University since 2019. In just 6 years, Sharon has worked with colleagues to transform the University Library from a mainly print collection to a thriving e-book collection with over 22,000 volumes and steered the journals collection from a just-in-case model to a just-in-time model. Additionally, Sharon and colleagues have applied for and received over $25,000 in grant funding that allowed University Library to support collection development, virtual reality in pedagogy, and film festivals. Sharon has also been the recipient of the NJLA Technical Services Award, as well as the NJLA Research Services Award. Recently, Sharon assisted in the redesign of the University Institutional Review Board application which has made the process more efficient for the applicant and the reviewer. Sharon’s research focus is on gender and technology.