Student walking on the Pace University, Pleasantville campus

Office of the Chief Diversity Officer

Our Mission

The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to creating and sustaining a welcoming and just campus climate for all members of Pace University through inclusive policies, practices and programming.

We seek to uphold the University’s mission of Opportunitas by

  • Addressing structural and historical barriers to pursuing and completing higher education
  • Advocating for underserved students by increasing access and opportunities
  • Educating the campus community on inclusive practices in the classroom and working environments that are equitable, supportive, and affirming of all identities
  • Leading and shaping domestic and global dialogues on oppression, violence, and injustice

Pace University's Chief Diversity Officer

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Stephanie Akunvabey

Dr. Stephanie Akunvabey (she/her), a native New Yorker who has dedicated her career in higher education to championing issues relating to equity and inclusion, has been named Pace University’s Associate Vice President for diversity and inclusion and its Chief Diversity Officer.

As leader of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, she oversees the Office of Institutional Equity/Title IX Compliance; Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness; Office of Multicultural Affairs; and The LGBTQA+ Center. Stephanie will also provide thought-leadership and oversight at The Barry M. and Jackie Gosin Center for Equity and Inclusion, which in 2021 was established to support ongoing efforts at Pace in anti-racism and equity, expand work to elevate job placement and entrepreneurship among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, and enhance academic scholarship in these areas.

Stephanie oversees the university's strategic initiatives around DEI and supervises all of the departments within the division. Working with Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Human Resources, and other departments at Pace University, she ensures that Pace University implements best practices for recruitment and retention of students, staff, and faculty.

Learn More About our CDO, Dr. Stephanie Akunvabey

Annual Reports