The FDR parkway near the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan.

Federal Administration Transition Task Force

To ensure that our community continues to stay informed of any federal policy changes, we’ve established a Federal Administration Transition Task Force. This task force, which began its work in January 2025, is composed of students, faculty, and staff subcommittees from across the University. Its efforts reflect our commitment to educating and protecting every member of the Pace Community during this pivotal time.

Mission and Goals
Executive Team Members
Get Guidance
Recent Related Communications
On-Campus Resources

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Federal Administration Transition Task Force is to educate and protect the Pace Community during times of significant federal policy change. In service of this mission, the Task Force closely monitors rapidly evolving federal policies and laws that may impact students, faculty, and staff. It provides timely education and training to key stakeholders across the University to ensure awareness and understanding of relevant changes. The Task Force also delivers critical resources and support to help the Pace Community navigate transitions with confidence. To ensure clarity and consistency, it works to streamline and amplify important communications across campuses.

Executive Team Members

  • Stephanie Akunvabey, EdD, CDO and AVP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Brian Anderson, MPH, CSP, AVP of Safety and Emergency Management
  • Jeffrey A. Barnett, PhD, VP of Student Affairs and Dean for Students
  • Terryl Brown, JD, VP and General Counsel
  • Sean Coughlin, AVP of Public Affairs
  • Angie D’Agostino, JD, Dean for Student and Campus Affairs, Haub Law
  • Ianthe Demos, Associate Program Head: BA International Performance Ensemble
  • Bernard Dufresne, AVP of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance
  • Cindy Heilberger, VP and Chief of Staff
  • Zach Hosseini, CMO and VP of University Relations
  • Jimmy Luckman, EdD, Director of the LGBTQA+ Centers
  • Jennifer Pankowski, EdD, Associate Professor of Education
  • Robina Schepp, VP of Enrollment Management and Placement
  • Todd Smith-Bergollo, Associate VP for Student Affairs
  • Barry Stinson, PhD, AVP of International Programs and Services
  • Mark Stephens, AVP of Financial Aid
  • Amelia Wilson, JD, Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Immigration Justice Clinic

Get Guidance

Our broad network of offices and experts is committed to supporting our community during times of uncertainty and ensuring that all members of the Pace Community have the resources they need to navigate change with clarity, support, and care. Whether you’re an international student with immigration concerns, a faculty or staff member seeking legal or policy guidance, or a student needing emotional or academic support, these offices are here to help.

  • Who Is on This Subcommittee

    • Heather Hilbrink, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Systems and Web Management
    • Janice Hilbrink, Director of Endowed Scholarships and Financial Aid Training Institute
    • Damisia Leon, Associate Director, Financial Aid Systems
    • Mark Stephens, Assistant Vice President, Financial Aid
    • Annette Morel, Associate Director, Student Accounts
    • Adriana Pace, Campus Director, Financial Aid
    • Amanda Peterson, Associate Director, Financial Aid Compliance
    • Diego Quante, University Director, Student Accounts
    • Nicole Spring, Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Law School Endowments
    • Noel Whearty, Director, Financial Aid Systems

    How This Subcommittee Supports the University Community

    The Financial Aid Subcommittee plays a vital role in supporting the Federal Administration Transition Task Force by closely monitoring changes to federal student aid policy and US Department of Education (DOE) procedures. With deep expertise across financial aid systems, compliance, and student accounts, the subcommittee works to keep the Pace Community informed, prepared, and protected from potential disruptions to aid access and processing. Areas of focus include:

    • Tracking and analyzing federal actions that could affect student financial aid, including changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Department of Education (DOE) infrastructure
    • Developing proactive strategies to safeguard the Pace Community from disruptions to aid access and processing
    • Leading targeted outreach campaigns to students and families—such as recent efforts to encourage early FAFSA submission amid DOE uncertainty
    • Serving as a centralized source of expertise and guidance on evolving financial aid policy and compliance issues

    Need Support or Have Questions?

    If you have concerns, need guidance, or are looking for resources related to financial aid, our teams are here for you. Contact us by phone at (877) 672-1830 or email us. You may also schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid or Student Accounts professional.

  • Who Is on This Subcommittee

    • Amy Foerster, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Co-Chair of Sociology and Anthropology
    • Meghana Nayak, PhD, Professor of Political Science and Chair of Women’s and Gender Studies
    • Barry L. Stinson, PhD, Associate Vice President, International Programs and Services
    • Amelia Wilson, JD, Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Immigration Justice Clinic

    How This Subcommittee Supports the University Community

    The Immigration and International Students and Scholars Subcommittee supports the Federal Administration Transition Task Force and the broader Pace Community by monitoring evolving federal immigration policies and providing timely, accurate guidance to international students, scholars, and visa-holding faculty and staff. Their work helps ensure that all members of the Pace Community—especially those navigating complex immigration systems—feel informed, supported, and empowered.

    Key Areas of Focus:

    • Promoting awareness of the legal rights and protections available to members of the Pace Community across a broad range of immigration circumstances, including DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and individuals holding various visa types
    • Helping students maintain lawful immigration status and avoid reentry or visa complications
    • Monitoring and communicating federal updates that impact visa processing and US entry
    • Educating the community on digital privacy and border crossing preparedness
    • Referring individuals to trusted immigration attorneys for legal guidance beyond the scope of Pace’s International Students and Scholars Office
    • Providing a collaborative support system and sense of community for those affected by immigration policy

    Need Support or Have Questions?

    If you have concerns or are looking for resources related to immigration status, travel, work authorization, or life in the US as an international student or immigrant, our team is here to help.

  • Who Is on This Subcommittee

    • Stephanie Akunvabey, EdD, CDO and AVP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Co-Chair)
    • Bernard Dufresne, AVP, Office of Institutional Equity/Title IX Compliance (Co-Chair)
    • Shawn Mott, Associate Director, Office of Institutional Equity/Title IX Compliance
    • Monisha Moore, Associate Director, Community Standards
    • Kate Torres, Director, Accessibility Resources and OASIS Programs
    • Sia Bundor, Director, Employee and Labor Relations, Human Resources
    • Alexis Thompson, Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance

    How This Subcommittee Supports the University Community

    The DEIA and Title IX Subcommittee of the Federal Administration Transition Task Force is focused on tracking and responding to changes in federal policy that impact diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and Title IX-related matters in higher education.

    While Division Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion and the Office Of Institutional Equity And Title IX Compliance continue their vital work to support a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus, the subcommittee plays a more targeted role within the task force. Specifically, the subcommittee is responsible for:

    • Monitoring federal administrative changes related to DEIA and Title IX and assessing their potential impact on the Pace University community
    • Sharing timely updates with the broader task force, as well as with students, faculty, and staff as appropriate
    • Providing expert guidance and recommendations on how the University can respond to evolving regulations in alignment with our institutional values and commitments

    This subcommittee serves as a critical resource in helping the University stay informed, proactive, and responsive during periods of federal transition—ensuring that our policies and practices remain consistent with both current law and our values of inclusion and equity.

    Need Support or Have Questions?

    If you have concerns, need guidance, or are looking for resources related to DEIA or Title IX, our teams are here for you. Reach out anytime:

  • Who Is on This Subcommittee

    • Ron Alexander, Associate Director of Community Standards and Deputy Title IX Investigator
    • Deborah Amarah, LCSW, Senior Staff Clinician, Counseling Center
    • Norika (Nori) Barnes, Academic Advisor, Pforzheimer Honors College
    • Mark Brown, Director of Athletics
    • Samara Durgadin, NYC student
    • La’Keema Favors, Pleasantville student
    • Anthony Guerrero, Pleasantville student
    • Kay Husnick, Residence Director, Office of Residential Life
    • Jimmy Luckman, EdD, Director of the LGBTQA+ Centers
    • Corey See, Facilities Manager
    • Todd Smith-Bergollo, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
    • Damian Zumaya, NYC student

    How This Subcommittee Supports the University Community

    The LGBTQA+ subcommittee supports the Federal Administration Transition Task Force and the broader Pace Community by monitoring federal policies—particularly impacting LGBTQA+ individuals and communities, such as those that identify as transgender—and ensuring Pace remains inclusive, informed, and prepared. The group focuses on education, resource-sharing, and advocacy, while addressing campus concerns and evaluating transgender inclusion in areas like athletics and student life.

    • Monitoring and interpreting federal policy changes that impact the LGBTQA+ community
    • Promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment across all campuses
    • Educating and advocating for students, faculty, and staff on issues affecting the LGBTQA+ population
    • Gathering and sharing resources to support LGBTQA+ individuals
    • Researching how other colleges and universities are responding to federal shifts
    • Discussing campus reactions and concerns related to the current political climate
    • Increasing awareness and visibility of existing campus support services
    • Exploring and addressing policies related to transgender inclusion, particularly in athletics

    Need Support or Have Questions?


    If you have concerns, need guidance, or are looking for resources related to LGBTQA+ issues, our teams are here for you. Reach out anytime:

Recent Related Communications

On-Campus Resources

We encourage you to learn more about the numerous departments and resources on campus that support, affirm, and represent the various needs and identities of our community.