Meet the New Faces of Pace

Over the summer, Pace University embraced a season of transformation, welcoming a dynamic new wave of leadership and faculty. Each brings fresh perspective, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to empowering students. As Pace moves confidently into its next chapter, these new voices—from the worlds of business, health, law, and the performing arts—aren’t just aligned with the University’s mission; they embody it, driving innovation and championing student success every step of the way.

Dean Brian Goldstein Joins the College of Health Professions

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At the CHP, Brian Goldstein, PhD, has been named dean. Formerly president and chief academic officer at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Goldstein is a nationally respected academic leader known for his deep expertise in the health sciences and his student-first approach.

“The College of Health Professions is a national leader in preparing highly skilled, compassionate health professionals,” said Goldstein. “I look forward to working alongside the exceptional faculty, staff, and students to continue advancing academic excellence and meaningful health outcomes in our communities.”

His appointment reflects the University’s investment in programs with real-world impact. Throughout his career, Goldstein has led bold innovations in curriculum design, expanded clinical partnerships, and driven measurable gains in student satisfaction and faculty engagement. His leadership arrives at a time when forward-thinking, student-centered strategies are central to Pace’s transformation efforts.

Ajay Khorana Appointed Dean of the Lubin School of Business

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Joining the Lubin School of Business as dean is Ajay Khorana, PhD, a seasoned academic and former business treasurer at Citigroup. Khorana brings a rare combination of global industry experience and scholarly accomplishment that will strengthen Lubin’s national and international reputation.

“Lubin has a strong foundation of academic excellence and career preparation,” Khorana said. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students, alumni, and industry partners to build on that legacy and drive continued innovation and impact.”

Before coming to Pace, Khorana served as global treasurer for Citigroup’s U.S. Personal Banking and Global Wealth businesses, where he oversaw strategic financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation for a $400 billion balance sheet. His nearly two-decade tenure at Citi also included leading the Financial Strategy Group, where he advised Fortune 500 companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital structure, shareholder strategy, and corporate governance.

Earlier in his career, Khorana held faculty positions at Georgia Tech and the University of Virginia, earning recognition for both his research and his teaching.

With Lubin’s nationally ranked programs and elite accreditations, the school is well-positioned to grow under Khorana’s leadership—and to play a central role in shaping the workforce of the future.

Haub Law Welcomes Experts in Climate and Water Law

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At the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, environmental law takes center stage with the addition of two dynamic visiting faculty members.

Sara Gonzalez-Rothi, former senior director for water at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, joins as visiting associate professor of environmental law. Her work on water policy, climate action, and Tribal justice has had national impact.

“Brave and skilled lawyers of tomorrow hold the keys to unlock a more just future,” she said. “We are fortunate to participate in their development.”

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Also joining Haub Law is Sam Bookman, a scholar in climate litigation and constitutional law. He will serve as visiting assistant professor and Haub Visiting Scholar. His research, cited by courts around the world, reflects a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise. Bookman has taught at Harvard, NYU, and other leading institutions.

“I am passionate about continuously learning, researching, and teaching,” said Bookman. “I look forward to learning from this community and sharing my research.”

These additions further strengthen Haub Law’s exceptional Environmental Law Program and affirm Pace’s national leadership in environmental justice and advocacy.

Sands College of Performing Arts Adds Star Power

Meanwhile, the Sands College of Performing Arts continues its remarkable ascent, welcoming three extraordinary artists and educators to its faculty: Tony Award nominee L Morgan Lee, Broadway performer Shonica Gooden, and veteran stage manager Matthew Stern.

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Their appointments signal not only a commitment to excellence, but also to inclusivity, transformation, and creative leadership.

“We are shaping young artists who may one day become some of the brightest lights on Broadway and beyond,” said Lee. “Pouring into their artistry is not simply a job; it’s a privilege that I carry with the deepest of respect and gratitude.”

Stern, who now leads the stage management program at Pace, echoed that sentiment:

“As the head of the stage management program, I welcome the opportunity to educate and support stage managers in their journey to find their voice, develop their aptitude for leadership, and advocate for themselves and the artists they support.”

These appointments reflect the growing momentum at Sands College, which is preparing to open a state-of-the-art performing arts center as part of Pace’s transformation of One Pace Plaza East.

What Comes Next

From business to law, health to the arts, the new leaders joining the Pace Community this summer bring more than impressive résumés. They bring a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives—and a deep readiness to help Pace move forward.

They remind us that the work ahead is not only about structures or strategies. It is about people. It is about students. And it is about building the future—together.