New Deans Elevate Pace University’s Standing in Business and Health

Higher education is in a moment of profound transformation. Universities must prepare students not only for today’s workforce, but for industries evolving at unprecedented speed. Pace University has long embraced that challenge—connecting academics with professional preparation, building programs that anticipate the future of work, and investing in leaders who push higher education forward.

That vision advances with the appointments of Ajay Khorana, PhD, as dean of the Lubin School of Business, and Brian Goldstein, PhD, as dean of the College of Health Professions. Both leaders bring deep expertise and fresh perspectives, strengthening Pace’s ability to translate academic excellence into real-world impact.

“We are delighted to welcome two deans who embody excellence in every sense—distinguished scholarship, visionary leadership, and the ability to connect academic rigor with professional outcomes,” said University President Marvin Krislov. “The appointments of Dr. Khorana and Dr. Goldstein reflect Pace’s continued investment in quality and achievement at the highest level.”

Connecting Classrooms to Careers

At Pace, academics and industry are inseparable. Business students learn steps from Wall Street, gaining not only theoretical knowledge but direct access to internships, experiential learning, and partnerships with some of the world’s most influential firms. The recent Pace of Fintech conference—hosted in collaboration with Goldman Sachs and Sixth Street—is one example of how Lubin leverages its location and network to create opportunity.

“Pace is uniquely positioned—steps from Wall Street, fueled by expert faculty, and deeply connected to the business world."

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Dean Khorana embodies that approach. Prior to joining Pace, he served as global treasurer for Citigroup’s U.S. Personal Banking and Global Wealth businesses, overseeing strategic financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation for a $400 billion balance sheet. Over nearly two decades at Citi, he also led the Financial Strategy Group, advising Fortune 500 companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital structure, and corporate governance. Earlier in his career, as a faculty member at Georgia Tech and the University of Virginia, he earned recognition for both his research and teaching.

“Pace is uniquely positioned—steps from Wall Street, fueled by expert faculty, and deeply connected to the business world,” said Dean Khorana. “Having led strategic finance at a global scale, I understand what today’s employers demand and how to shape an education that delivers. There’s no better place to connect business education with the center of the financial world.”

Lubin holds an elite distinction: dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting, earned by fewer than 2 percent of business schools worldwide. Its programs consistently rank among the nation’s best—from top-ten recognition in LinkedIn’s Top MBAs for job placement and gender diversity to being the first U.S. business school granted ACCA certification exemptions. Lubin’s Doctor of Professional Studies program also ranks among the world’s top executive doctoral programs, including first in the United States for its focus on corporate social responsibility.

With Khorana’s blend of industry insight and academic leadership, Lubin is poised to extend its record of excellence and prepare students for the next era of global business.

Leading in Health Professions

The College of Health Professions (CHP) is another cornerstone of Pace’s academic strategy, nationally recognized for educating healthcare leaders in high-demand fields. Its programs consistently rank among the best in the nation, including placement in the top 3 percent of nursing bachelor’s degree programs by College Factual. U.S. News & World Report ranks nurse practitioner as the #1 healthcare job in America, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 52 percent job growth between 2020 and 2030—fields where CHP is already a leader.

“At Pace, we’re preparing students to lead, innovate, and serve. I’m excited to build on this strong foundation and help shape the future of care.”

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Dean Goldstein joins CHP with a proven record of innovation. As president and chief academic officer at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, he led academic and operational strategy across five campuses serving more than 4,000 graduate students. His leadership drove enrollment growth, expanded hybrid and online programs, strengthened clinical partnerships, and improved both student satisfaction and faculty retention. Earlier roles at La Salle University and Temple University further deepened his expertise in academic leadership, curriculum development, and health sciences education.

“Health care is evolving rapidly—and so is health education,” said Dean Goldstein. “At Pace, we’re preparing students to lead, innovate, and serve. I’m excited to build on this strong foundation and help shape the future of care.”

CHP graduates step directly into high-impact careers. Under Goldstein’s leadership, the college is positioned to expand its national reach, deepen clinical partnerships, and elevate the student experience—while helping define the future of health sciences education.

A Bold Academic Future

Together, the appointments of Khorana and Goldstein represent more than leadership transitions. They signal momentum—an institution committed to anticipating industry needs, investing in innovation, and cultivating leaders who turn academic strength into measurable impact.

Since 1906, Pace University has transformed lives through education that connects learning with opportunity. Today, with campuses in New York City and Westchester serving more than 13,000 students across seven schools and colleges, Pace continues to advance that mission. The addition of these two visionary deans marks the next chapter—where academic excellence, professional preparation, and bold leadership converge to shape the future of higher education.