Jessup Music Faculty

 
 
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Tom Ruscica

Associate Dean, Visual & Performing Arts/Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

Tom excels in developing students into inspiring and influential leaders, and is relentlessly passionate about creating opportunities for students to be challenged in both music and leadership.  He has served in music ministry in many different denominations, including Assembly of God, Baptist, and Lutheran, and enjoys learning about different styles of worship. Tom currently conducts William Jessup’s widely recognized University Choir & Orchestra.  Performing 30 concerts per year, the University Choir & Orchestra performs a dynamic and powerful concert experience with a diverse repertoire. Jessup Music concerts are marked by students on a pursuit of excellence, who reach out to and connect with concert attendees, inspiring and infusing audience members with hope and encouragement.

This is Tom’s 17th year at William Jessup University. Prior to joining the faculty, Tom served as worship leader and choral director at Resurrection Ministries, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, and Glendale Community Church of God. In addition to his work in the church, Tom taught music at various schools in Los Angeles, as well as at Liberty High School in Brentwood.

 
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Dr. ELizabeth Stanley

Professor, Music

Education

  • B.A. in Music, with Honors from California State University, Hayward

  • California state single-subject teaching credential, Music from California State University, Hayward

  • M.A. in Music, Vocal Performance from California State University, Hayward

  • D.M.A. from Boston University

Elizabeth's primary research focus is in the area of applied voice teaching expertise. A past East Bay Opera League Audition winner, she has performed with the Oakland and Berkeley Opera Companies, True North Drama Company, and as a worship leader at church and women’s conferences. Most recently, she portrayed ‘Aunt March’ and ‘Martha’ in WJU Creative Arts Department’s “Little Women” and “White Christmas”.