Four New Members Appointed to TESU Board of Trustees
Thomas Edison State University welcomed four new members to its Board of Trustees during its June 13 quarterly meeting. Following the meeting, both new and established board members were familiarized with the University’s mission and impact through a special panel featuring current students and alumni.
The new members, Edward Bullock, of Hamilton; Carl Benedetti, of Ewing; Grace Elizabeth Rarich, of Titusville and Dr. Yingchao Zhang, of West Windsor, represent diverse occupations and volunteer participation in Mercer County and will bring a range of strengths and backgrounds to the TESU board. Combined with four additional appointments made in March, the Board voted to expand its capacity from 11 to 13 members, not including student trustees.
Bullock is a retired vice president of Diversity and Inclusion at L’Oréal, the world’s leading cosmetics company. A published children’s book author and passionate literacy advocate, he currently serves as president of the Trenton Literacy Movement and has personally read to more than 500 elementary school students throughout Trenton and Mercer County. Bullock earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Norfolk State University, an M.Ed. from The College of New Jersey and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Norfolk State University. He was appointed to fill a vacancy for a term expiring June 30, 2031.
Benedetti is a business development manager at Pennsylvania Steel Co. He brings public service experience from his time on the Ewing Township Zoning Board and the Ewing Township Board of Education. Benedetti holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from The College of New Jersey. He was appointed to fill a vacancy for a term expiring June 30, 2031.
Rarich is a seventh-grade teacher of life science at Timberlane Middle School and resident of Hopewell Township, N.J. A 2003 graduate from The College of New Jersey, she is active in the Mercer County Education Association as both the MCEA immediate past president and a co-chair of the MCEA Legislative Action Team. Since 2011, she has served as a county representative on the NJEA Government Relations Committee. She was appointed to fill a vacancy for a term expiring June 30, 2031.
Zhang works with opAIda.ai, a Princeton-based startup focused on making artificial intelligence practical, scalable and cost-effective for business users. A self-taught IT professional, Zhang earned a Ph.D. in high-energy nuclear physics from Stony Brook University. He was appointed to replace Franklin Clyburn for a term expiring June 30, 2026.
“We are honored to welcome these outstanding individuals to the Thomas Edison State University Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Michael Toscani, chair of the Board. “Each new member brings unique experience, leadership and insight that will strengthen our ability to guide the University and support its mission. Their perspectives will be critical as we continue to expand access to high-quality education for adult learners across New Jersey and beyond.”
The gubernatorial appointments were confirmed by the New Jersey Senate on June 2, 2025.
“Our newest board members are joining TESU at a transformative time in our history,” said Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, president of TESU. “As we expand our programs, strengthen our partnerships and align with the evolving future of work and education, their vision and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the University’s path forward.”
The Panel Discussion featured Ya Vanca Brooks, who earned a certificate in industrial organizational psychology in June 2021; Isaaca R. Saleem who earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Services this past March; and Bryan A. Mata who is a student in the Accelerated Nursing program. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Jazz Jackson, vice provost and chief student success and experience officer.
The panel discussed balancing education and life as an adult student, overcoming obstacles and how their education has affected their professional careers.