Rider University Names New Dean For Arts College

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Dr. Marshall Onofrio has been appointed the dean of Rider University’s Westminster College of the Arts (WCA), the university announced on Thursday. Onofrio has been serving as the associate dean for Administration at WCA since 2009 and associate dean of Westminster Choir College since 2006. He has experience as a professional musician, teacher and administrator in his 35 years working in higher education.

“Marshall is a collaborative and proven leader who has provided valuable guidance and direction to the Westminster College of the Arts for many years," Rider Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. DonnaJean Fredeen said. "This, combined with his deep passion and enthusiasm for mentoring students, assures me that he is the right person to lead Rider’s WCA.”

Onofrio was professor of music and chairman of the Department of Music at Marshall University from 1998-2006. He previously taught and/or served as an administrator at Plattsburgh State University of New York, Ohio State University, Muskingum University and Midland University.

His compositions and arrangements have been heard in several Midwestern and Northeastern states and in Canada. He has appeared as an evaluator, consultant, clinician, guest artist, conductor and composer-in-residence in 17 states, Canada and seven European countries.

As a conductor and performer, Onofrio has worked with such internationally known figures as Frank Sinatra Jr., Gene Bertoncini, Joanne Brackeen, Randy Brecker, Ian Hobson and Gunther Schuller.

As a conductor, he has led orchestral, jazz and brass ensembles and conducted musical theatre and mixed-media performances. As a professional trumpeter, he performed as a recitalist and in orchestras, jazz ensembles and brass quintets for almost 40 years.

Additionally, Onofrio is an external evaluator for collegiate music programs for the National Association of Schools of Music, and in that capacity has visited several institutions. Since 2013, at the NASM Annual Meeting, he presents a workshop on “Leading and Managing from the Middle” to new music executives.

Rider’s Westminster College of the Arts is comprised of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, Westminster Choir College, Westminster Conservatory and Westminster Office of Continuing Education.

“I am excited and humbled to be chosen as dean of Rider’s Westminster College of the Arts, a community of extraordinarily talented students, dedicated faculty and committed staff who make up our vibrant learning and performing environment," Onofrio said. "I look forward to this new role, and to continuing to help move Rider University forward during a time of change and challenge.

“I am excited to work with Marshall, and am confident that his devotion to the arts and professional achievements will serve the entire university well as he assumes the deanship.”

For more information about Rider University, visit www.rider.edu.

The attached image of Dr. Marshall Onofrio was provided by Rider University.