Environmental enforcement is crucial to protecting the environment and human health. Yet according to Politico’s E&E News, at least 140 federal environmental lawyers have departed the Justice Department’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division since the start of 2025. The loss of experienced attorneys, including senior leaders and managers, has created significant challenges for federal enforcement. In New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Attorney General’s Office, and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY) are working with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law to fill that gap, both now and in the future.

Haub Law’s new Institute for Environmental Enforcement (IEE) will work with state enforcers to help train existing investigators and prosecutors and will train Haub Law students to pursue this work when they graduate. The Institute’s founder and director is longtime Haub Law adjunct professor Steve Solow, a former chief of the Environmental Crime Section at the U.S. Department of Justice. Professor Solow also served as a prosecutor with the New York State Organized Crime Task Force and as an environmental lawyer and litigator at global law firms before establishing his own firm several years ago. In 1997, he founded Haub Law’s renowned Environmental Law Externship program in Washington, D.C. The program provides students with real-world experience in the field and has been a catalyst in placing Haub Law graduates in environmental agencies and government offices for more than 25 years.

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“I am deeply grateful that Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law and New York's law enforcement and environmental protection offices have embraced the goals of the Institute for Environmental Enforcement,” said Solow. “I think all New Yorkers want to see strong and effective enforcement of environmental laws and rules, and the Institute's work is designed to support those efforts now and in the future by helping develop the next generation of environmental enforcement attorneys.”

“As a leader in environmental law, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law has a responsibility to anticipate challenges and develop new ways to meet them,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “The Institute for Environmental Enforcement builds on the strength of our environmental law program and our commitment to advancing the field through innovative education, research, and practice. Under Steve Solow’s leadership, the Institute will address pressing enforcement needs while preparing our students to help shape the evolving future of environmental protection.”

“Professor Solow’s vision for IEE reflects our commitment to supporting today’s environmental enforcement professionals while preparing the next generation of environmental attorneys,” said Josh Galperin, associate dean of the Environmental Law Program at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “As part of the Pace | Haub Environmental Law Program, which, not incidentally, U.S. News & World Report has ranked No.1 in the nation for six consecutive years, the Institute builds on our longstanding leadership in environmental law while addressing the evolving needs of the field. We cannot rest on our laurels if we are to solve difficult environmental problems and continue giving students the best opportunities to thrive as real-world environmental leaders.”

IEE will focus on three connected efforts:

• Developing and providing an external training program and materials to support New York state investigators, prosecutors, and technical personnel.
• Expanding the law school’s educational offerings to prepare students for environmental enforcement and compliance careers in government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.
• Collaborating with experts across Pace University, including the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, to develop technology that helps regulators and enforcement professionals analyze data, identify environmental violations, and improve the efficiency of enforcement efforts.

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"Technology has an important role to play in making environmental enforcement more effective," said Li-Chiou Chen, dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. "By bringing together expertise in environmental law, computer science, and data analytics, we have an opportunity to help enforcement professionals make better use of complex information. This collaboration also gives our students a chance to apply their technical skills to real-world challenges that affect our communities and the environment."

With the support from Haub Law faculty and an advisory board that includes former leaders in federal and New York state enforcement agencies, Professor Solow aims to turn decades of enforcement experience into practical resources for New York prosecutors and create a foundation for future attorneys.

The initiative is being developed in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Attorney General's Office and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY).

"Environmental enforcement is essential to protecting our most precious natural resources, the ecosystems that sustain us as people and the animals that rely on them," said Ray Tierney, Suffolk County district attorney and president of DAASNY. "Every district attorney in New York should have access to the tools and expertise needed to pursue these offenses. The Institute for Environmental Enforcement is a valuable resource in advancing that mission."

"Protecting our environment and the wildlife that depends on it demands robust enforcement and consistent statewide support. The newly established Institute for Environmental Enforcement will provide district attorneys across New York's 62 counties with resources and support to prosecute such offenses," said Jed Painter, general counsel of the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and chair of DAASNY's environmental crime subcommittee.

Building on Haub Law’s longstanding leadership in environmental law, the Institute for Environmental Enforcement combines education, professional training, and collaboration to strengthen New York’s enforcement efforts and prepare the next generation of environmental attorneys.

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law proudly conferred the 2026 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy on Alfred Brownell and Durwood Zaelke for their groundbreaking contributions to the progressive development of environmental law and decades of leadership advancing environmental justice, climate action, and environmental governance around the world. The award was presented on October 21, 2026, at Pace University in New York City.

Brownell, a Liberian environmental lawyer, law professor, and human rights advocate, was recognized for pioneering legal strategies to protect communities, environmental and climate defenders, and natural resources while advancing environmental rights and climate justice across Africa and globally. Zaelke, founder and President of the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development, was honored for his leading role in strengthening the Montreal Protocol and building on its success to achieve significant climate benefits, including his leadership in securing the landmark Kigali Amendment.

The ceremony also featured a panel discussion titled Transforming International Law to Protect People and the Planet, bringing together both laureates and David Hunter, Professor Emeritus at American University Washington College of Law. Moderated by Camila Bustos, Associate Professor of Law at Haub Law, the discussion focused on the role of international law in addressing environmental challenges and advancing global environmental protection.

View event photos

For computer science major and biology minor Zender Aurelien-Nikolai ’28, technology is about more than coding. As founding president of Pace’s ColorStack chapter, he’s building community and connections for underrepresented students in tech. And as a Seidenberg student, he’s exploring the intersection of computer science and medicine, while engaging in hands-on research supported by faculty mentorship, thus laying the groundwork for a future in biomedical informatics.

What inspired you to pursue a BS in Computer Science at Pace and complement your studies with a minor in biology?

I was a huge video game nerd growing up, and one of my main career goals as a when I was younger was to make my own video game that others could play. I was interested in medicine at the same time, but I didn’t think much about working in healthcare until I earned my EMT certification during my senior year of high school. Although I learned that working hands-on with patients wasn’t my calling, this experience reignited my interest in medicine and made me want to find ways I could help people in need through computer science, which led me to pair my major with a minor in biology.

You are the founding president of Pace’s chapter of ColorStack on the New York City Campus, an organization which supports Black and Hispanic/Latinx Computer Science students across the nation in academics and career development. Tell us about this journey and how meaningful it has been for you.

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Founding Pace’s ColorStack chapter has been one of the most impactful and eye-opening experiences during my time at Pace. I noticed early on that there weren't many students in my classes who looked like me. I wanted to connect with people who shared my background and experiences, but I didn't have that sense of community.

The desire to build such a community for people who looked and thought like me was my main motivation behind finding a ColorStack chapter at Pace. Since founding this organization, I have had the opportunity to learn from people of various backgrounds, from fellow ColorStack members across the country, to professionals at companies like IBM and Microsoft, and even Pace students who attend our general body meetings and events.

In Spring 2026, you and your ColorStack student-colleagues brought a group of students to tour Microsoft’s Times Square office. Tell us more about this event, and what your vision is for the future of Pace’s ColorStack chapter.

Our Microsoft office tour was made possible thanks to our Spring 2026 semester secretary, Ángel Bahamon ’28, who connected us with Microsoft representatives who offered 15 students a tour of their office. During our visit, we networked with Microsoft employees and learned more about their job application and interview process. We left having made new connections with each other and with potential mentors. Hopefully, future ColorStack events will reach even more Pace students, and the chapter will continue to grow after I graduate.

What other activities are you involved in at Pace? What internships have you had?

I am a member of the Student Advisory Committee, which is a group of students who work on, and pitch ideas meant to improve the student retention rate at Pace. Additionally, I was a data analyst intern at a startup called Fun Meets from summer 2025 until February 2026, and I am currently working as a student research assistant under Professor Juan Shan, PhD, applying machine learning methods to medical imaging.

What faculty have been particularly instrumental in your academic journey?

Working with Professor Shan on research that connects the worlds of computer science and medicine has taught me so much about how AI can be applied to different fields and could revolutionize treatment. While working alongside her, I have also presented my research at Pace’s Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Day and more recently at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on E-health Networking, Application & Services (Healthcom), where I connected with other students worldwide who share my passion at the intersection of computer science and healthcare.

Professor Rachel Schwartz, PhD, has also been one of my strongest pillars of support since we met at my first PaceBound session when I was still in high school, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

What are your post-graduation/career plans?

I plan to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical informatics, with the goal of building machine learning tools that improve diagnosis and patient care. Until then, I have been extremely grateful to Pace, my classmates, and the faculty members who have supported me, and I look forward to the rest of my time at Pace University!

Want to get connected with Pace’s ColorStack chapter? Follow them on LinkedIn for events, workshops, and other opportunities to get involved on the New York City Campus.

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As a law student, Haley Brescia ’21 took full advantage of the opportunities available at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, including her early work as a Land Use Law Scholar and her leadership roles as President of the Environmental Law Society and Editor-in-Chief of the Pace Environmental Law Review. Today, as an associate in the environmental practice group at Cole Schotz PC, she draws on those experiences to navigate complex environmental regulatory and transactional matters, helping clients address environmental risks associated with real estate and business transactions.

For Haley, the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience while developing a strong foundation in environmental law was a defining part of her legal education and instrumental in preparing her for practice at a prominent law firm.

“When I was applying to law school, I knew I wanted to practice environmental law, so I focused my search on schools with strong environmental programs,” Haley recalls. “Haub Law immediately stood out because of its reputation as one of the leading environmental law programs in the country and the depth of opportunities it offers beyond the classroom.”

Haley first developed an interest in environmental law during her undergraduate studies at Duke University, where courses in environmental science and policy introduced her to the ways legal frameworks influence environmental decision-making, development, and land use. As her interest in the field grew, she knew she wanted to pursue a legal education that would allow her to fully immerse herself in environmental law. Haub Law's combination of specialized coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and nationally recognized faculty made it a natural fit.

At Haub Law, Haley embraced opportunities to build both her legal knowledge and practical skills. As President of the Environmental Law Society and Editor-in-Chief of the Pace Environmental Law Review, she strengthened her leadership, research, writing, and organizational abilities while developing a deeper understanding of environmental law. These experiences would prove invaluable as she transitioned into legal practice.

One of the most influential aspects of Haley's law school experience was her work at the Land Use Law Center, where she served as a Land Use Law Scholar and worked closely with Professor John Nolon, later becoming his research assistant. Through the Center, Haley gained hands-on experience researching real-world environmental and land use issues, allowing her to apply legal concepts beyond the classroom from the very beginning of her law school journey.

Seeing how legal concepts translated into practice made the field feel tangible and reinforced my decision to pursue environmental law.

“I remember being surprised by how quickly I was able to move from learning about land use law in the classroom to researching real-world issues and contributing to projects,” Haley shares. “Seeing how legal concepts translated into practice made the field feel tangible and reinforced my decision to pursue environmental law.”

Professor Nolon's mentorship also played a significant role in shaping Haley's academic and professional development. “He was generous with his time and guidance, consistently encouraging me to take on challenging research and writing projects and to think critically about complex land use and environmental issues,” she recalls.

The research, writing, and analytical skills Haley developed through her work with Professor Nolon and the Land Use Law Center remain central to her practice today. Equally important was the supportive and collaborative Haub Law community, where faculty members encouraged students to pursue challenging opportunities and provided guidance as they prepared to enter the legal profession.

Following graduation in 2021, Haley joined the environmental practice group at Cole Schotz PC, where she immediately began working alongside experienced attorneys on environmental transactional and regulatory matters. Her practice focuses on environmental issues arising in real estate and business transactions, particularly environmental due diligence and site remediation.

In her role, Haley reviews environmental site assessments, evaluates historical property uses, and advises clients on potential environmental risks when buying, selling, or financing properties or businesses. She also works on matters involving site investigations and cleanup, coordinates with environmental consultants and regulators, and helps clients navigate state remediation programs. Additionally, her practice involves negotiating environmental risk-allocation provisions in purchase agreements and structuring environmental insurance coverage to manage potential exposure.

The work requires not only a strong understanding of environmental law and regulatory frameworks, but also the ability to translate complex technical findings into practical legal advice, all skills Haley began developing through her experiences at Haub Law.

“What I enjoy most about the work is how collaborative it is,” Haley explains. “On any given day, I may be working closely with consultants, regulators, developers, lenders, and other attorneys, bringing legal, technical, and business perspectives together to help projects succeed.”

Among Haley's proudest professional accomplishments was her involvement in a complex matter under New Jersey's Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA), in which PFAS compounds were identified during a site investigation. With PFAS regulations continuing to evolve, the matter presented uncertainty surrounding investigation requirements and regulatory closure. Working closely with environmental consultants, Haley helped navigate the technical findings within the regulatory framework and advise on a path forward, contributing to the team's successful resolution of the matter.

As Haub Law celebrates its 50th anniversary, Haley is proud to be part of an alumni community with a longstanding legacy of leadership in environmental law. She hopes the Law School will continue to expand its influence in the field and provide future generations of students with the knowledge, practical experience, and mentorship needed to address emerging environmental challenges.

It is incredible to be part of an alumni community connected to a school with such a strong legacy in environmental law.

“It is incredible to be part of an alumni community connected to a school with such a strong legacy in environmental law,” Haley shares. “Haub Law has played an important role in shaping leaders in the field, and it is exciting to be part of a network of alumni committed to addressing environmental challenges through the law.”

Students at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law showcased innovative legal approaches to pressing sustainability challenges during the Second Annual Profit and Purpose Action Award Competition, held in conjunction with the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) 5th Annual Profit & Purpose Sustainable Business Conference hosted at Haub Law on October 9, 2026.

The competition, organized through Haub Law’s Sustainable Business Law Hub, provides students with an opportunity to develop and present practical, forward-thinking legal solutions to real-world challenges at the intersection of business, law, and sustainability. This year's finalists explored a range of timely issues, including access to remedies for affected communities and Indigenous Peoples in the mining industry, climate disclosure requirements for small businesses, and the role of private-sector interests in debates surrounding data center development.

Samuel de Carvalho was named the 2026 Profit and Purpose Action Award winner for his presentation, “Grievance Mechanisms and Access to Remedies: Gaps and Solutions for Non-Judicial Remedy Measures in the Mining Industry.” His proposal examined how mining companies and downstream purchasers of mining products can use private legal mechanisms, including contracts, to expand access to dispute resolution and remedies for affected communities and Indigenous Peoples who are often excluded from traditional avenues of legal recourse.

“Too often, affected communities and Indigenous Peoples face significant barriers to accessing meaningful remedies when their rights are violated,” said Samuel. “My research explores how private legal mechanisms can help close those gaps and create greater accountability within global supply chains. It was a tremendous opportunity to share these ideas and engage with professionals who are working to advance more sustainable and responsible business practices.”

Fellow finalists, Haub Law students Harrison Bench and Alexa Williamson were also recognized for their thoughtful and innovative proposals addressing emerging sustainability challenges. Harrison presented “Right-Sized Reporting: Making Climate Disclosure Laws Work for Small Businesses,” and Alexa presented “Reflecting Private Sector Interests in the New York Data Center Moratorium.”

The finalists presented their proposals before a panel of judges that included Ayman Irfan, winner of the inaugural award in 2025 and an SJD candidate at Haub Law; Angela Iraldi, Senior Sustainability Manager with Skanska, who also served as a judge for last year's competition; and Kelly Raskauskas, Senior Managing Director of Sustainability, Government and Public Affairs with Webster Bank. Ayman's return as a judge reflected the competition's growing tradition of engaging students and past participants in conversations about the future of sustainable business law.

“The Profit and Purpose Action Award gives our students an opportunity to move beyond identifying sustainability challenges and develop practical legal solutions that can make a real difference,” said Professor Josh Galperin, Faculty Director of Haub Law’s Sustainable Business Law Hub and Associate Dean of the Environmental Law Program. “Sam, Harrison, and Alexa each demonstrated the creativity, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving skills that are essential to advancing sustainable business practices. Their work reflects the important role that the next generation of lawyers will play in shaping a more sustainable future.”

The Profit and Purpose Action Award competition is part of Haub Law's broader commitment to preparing students to address complex environmental and sustainability challenges through innovative, practical legal approaches. By connecting students with professionals working at the intersection of business, law, and sustainability, the competition provides a valuable opportunity to translate academic research and legal analysis into actionable ideas with real-world impact.

Held on the Haub Law campus in White Plains, the annual Profit & Purpose Sustainable Business Conference brings together professionals from business, government, law, and the nonprofit sector to explore strategies for advancing sustainability and fostering collaboration across industries. The competition further strengthens the partnership between Haub Law and the WCA while highlighting the next generation of legal professionals working to shape a more sustainable future.

On October 11, Pace students joined global advocates, diplomats, and young leaders at the United Nations (UN) to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, an annual observance dedicated to advancing girls’ rights and addressing the challenges they face worldwide. This year, the urgent call to action was on the theme of ending child marriage and investing in girls’ rights.

For Pace student fellows in Dyson College’s Women's Leadership Initiative, as well as those in the Women's and Gender Studies, Peace and Justice Studies, and Political Science programs, the experience offered a first-hand look at international diplomacy and the opportunity to witness (and participate in) global advocacy.

Opportunitas through partnerships

The students’ unique experience at this event was the result of a longstanding relationship between Pace and the United Nations.

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Since 2014, and just a few years after the UN General Assembly declared October 11 as a date to recognize this important initiative, Pace has held special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a distinction shared by only a handful of universities nationwide (Pace is one of only two in New York with this status, with only ten existing in the entire nation).

This status provides Pace with access to UN meetings, negotiations, and international policy discussions, while creating opportunities for students and faculty to contribute research, offer policy recommendations, and engage directly with global decision makers.

Giving girls a voice on the world stage

A centerpiece of the International Day of the Girl Child observance was Girls Speak Out, a two-hour event held inside the ECOSOC chamber and organized by the Working Group on Girls, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to advancing girls' rights within the UN.

At this gathering, Pace students heard from girl activists and leaders and joined in their call for greater access to spaces of power, the need for accountability to address intersecting forms of injustice, and partnership with girls and girl-centered communities around the world. More than a celebration of girlhood, it underscored the importance of ensuring girls have a voice in decisions affecting their lives, while recognizing the connections between girls' rights and broader movements for equality.

And for Pace students, it was an opportunity to witness advocacy firsthand and see how young voices can influence international conversations.

Students speak

One of those students was Celine Ioffe ’28, a political science and applied psychology and human relations double major with a minor in peace and justice studies. For Ioffe, the opportunity to advocate for girls' rights at the United Nations was both professional and deeply personal.

The daughter of religious refugees from Ukraine and Latvia, Ioffe developed an interest in advocacy during high school in Oregon, where she focused on district and statewide issues. After moving to New York City, she was eager to expand her work to the international stage.

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That opportunity emerged through a Global Political Disarmament and Arms Control course taught by Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Matthew Bolton, PhD, which immerses students in international policy through visits to UN General Assembly committee meetings and advocacy forums. When Bolton shared an internship opportunity with Girls Learn International, a program of the Feminist Majority Foundation, Ioffe applied and was paired with Associate Professor and Associate Dean Emily Bent, PhD, whose research focus includes girls' political agency.

Through the internship, Ioffe has helped support students from across the country attending feminist conferences at the UN, and, during this year's event, she assisted with student registration before joining hundreds of girls and advocates inside the ECOSOC chamber to hear from young leaders, UN representatives, and international ambassadors.

For Ioffe, the experience has strengthened her commitment to empowering young people and pursuing a career in global advocacy.

"Being able to see the role that girls have forged for themselves on an international stage has fundamentally changed the way I think about advocacy. It is not the role of one person but every individual to shape our institutions,” she said.

The importance of funding

The Women's and Gender Studies Department, housed within Dyson College, has been instrumental in fostering connections and opening doors for Pace students at the UN.

When Bent received a Girls Global Leadership grant from the Feminist Majority Foundation to support its Girls Learn International program, a key part of that funding has been political advocacy training for student delegations participating in the International Day of the Girl Child and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

And that funding was the connecting bridge between Pace and important global advocacy.

She said, “The Girls Speak Out remains an essential space in the girls' rights movement, affording girls direct access to global stages of power while also giving space for them to articulate how and why girls' rights are different from and yet interconnected with other movements for equality.”

Supporting the next generation of advocates

Pace’s participation at the International Day of the Girl Child at the UN reflects faculty connecting education, mentorship, and international advocacy, creating opportunities for students to develop both skills and confidence to become changemakers.

Faculty influence as changemakers expands not only beyond the borders of the Pace classroom, but beyond Pace itself.

To this end, and as part of her grant, Bent will engage high school students this coming spring in global movements for equality, and, in particular, train more than 30 of them to advocate for girls' rights and concerns during the CSW's two-week session.

Learning and leading beyond the classroom

For Pace students, the UN isn't simply an institution they study in textbooks. It's where, with faculty mentorship, they can learn, contribute, and help shape a more equitable future.

Whether through participation in the International Day of the Girl Child, or other related initiatives such as Pace’s International Disarmament Institute and Model UN program, the most powerful tool for global change isn't just having a voice; it's using that voice to bring people together, and that is something the world needs now more than ever.

An origami butterfly. A crocheted teddy bear. A handmade bracelet. Sometimes, the smallest gestures can make a big difference.

That's the idea behind Creative heARTS, a White Plains Hospital volunteer initiative that collects handmade crafts and distributes them to patients and healthcare workers, offering a little comfort, connection, and kindness during what can be stressful moments.

Since launching in 2022, the program has received more than 28,000 handmade items from students, community groups, and individual volunteers. But as demand continues to grow, so does the need for donations.

That's where Pace University student Michael Savchuk comes in.

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A senior studying health science on the pre-nursing track in the College of Health Professions, Savchuk volunteers at White Plains Hospital, gaining firsthand experience in healthcare while preparing for a future in nursing. He's also a newly minted Marine, having recently completed Officer Candidates School.

Now, he's putting his commitment to service into action by bringing Creative heARTS to the Pace Community.

Savchuk is working to make participation easy for students, faculty, and staff by organizing campus donation drop boxes and exploring opportunities for hands-on crafting activities.

And you don't need to be an artist to help.

Here's How You Can Get Involved

The Creative heARTS program welcomes small, handmade creations, including origami, crocheted items, jewelry, paper crafts, miniature paintings, and other thoughtful keepsakes appropriate for hospital patients of all ages.

Drop-off locations on the Pleasantville Campus:

• Kessel Student Center, Alumni Quad Entrance
• Mortola Library, Vestibule

Additionally, volunteers who document the time spent creating their donations may also request an acknowledgment letter from White Plains Hospital, which can be used toward eligible community service requirements.

Whether you make one origami butterfly or a dozen crocheted creations, your contribution could make someone's hospital stay a little brighter. A little creativity goes a long way. Let's show White Plains Hospital what the Pace Community can do.

For Immediate Release: Pace University Names Robert “Bobby” Ahdieh as its Ninth President

A transformational leader in higher education, Ahdieh joins Pace from Texas A&M University and will take office January 1, 2027

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NEW YORK — Pace University, a private university with campuses in New York City and Westchester County known for combining academic rigor, real-world learning, and exceptional access to opportunity, today announced that Robert “Bobby” Ahdieh has been named the university's ninth president, effective January 1, 2027.

Ahdieh, a renowned global legal scholar as well as a fierce and innovative believer in the power of higher education to transform lives, has been unanimously elected by the Board of Trustees, following a comprehensive and inclusive search process.

He succeeds President Marvin Krislov, who announced earlier this year that he would step down, after nearly a decade leading the university.

Ahdieh joins Pace from Texas A&M University, where he served simultaneously as Dean and Anthony G. Buzbee Endowed Dean's Chair of Texas A&M University School of Law, Vice President for Professional Schools and Programs at Texas A&M University, and Chief Operating Officer of Texas A&M–Fort Worth.

“Bobby Ahdieh is exactly the kind of innovative leader that Pace University needs and deserves during an exciting moment of transformation,” said Robert S. Sands, Chairman of the Pace Board of Trustees. “He is a bold institution-builder who has demonstrated time and again the rare ability to elevate academic quality, expand access, and drive transformational growth. He shares our deep belief that education is a powerful engine of social mobility and life-changing opportunity. Bobby will lead Pace forward with vision, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the students and communities we serve. I express my deepest gratitude to the members of our Presidential Search Committee, who contributed countless hours to this process, in pursuit of the right leader for Pace's future.”

Since becoming Dean of Texas A&M Law in 2018, Ahdieh led one of the most dramatic institutional transformations in the history of American legal education. Under his leadership, the school climbed from 83rd to 22nd in national rankings — the most significant rise of any law school in the past 25 years. Enrollment grew more than fourfold, from 458 to over 2,000 students, while post-graduate employment reached 100%, the highest rate in the United States, and bar passage climbed from 73% to nearly 100%. Annual fundraising quadrupled and the school's budget moved from annual deficits to a revenue-positive position in under three years. And even as incoming academic metrics rose sharply, the racial and ethnic diversity of the student body nearly doubled as well.

“New York is where my family's American dream began, and Pace’s motto – Opportunitas – resonates deeply with me,” said Ahdieh.

Ahdieh’s impact extended beyond the law school. As Vice President for Professional Schools and Programs, he helped lead graduate enrollment growth across the entire university, including its colleges of Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Education, Nursing, and Agriculture. As Chief Operating Officer of Texas A&M–Fort Worth, he conceived and spearheaded the development of a new $1 billion-plus innovation campus — a first-of-its-kind academic and industry hub integrating health sciences, engineering, business, law, and major private sector partners around research, workforce development, and student-to-employee pipelines.

Prior to Texas A&M, Ahdieh spent nearly two decades at Emory University School of Law, where he served as the K.H. Gyr Professor of Private International Law, Vice Dean, and Director of the Center on Federalism & Intersystemic Governance and helped guide the school to the highest student quality, diversity, and ranking achievements in its history.

Raised in New York City by parents who immigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of educational opportunities, Ahdieh returns home with a personal and professional commitment to ensuring those same opportunities are available to new generations of students.

“New York is where my family's American dream began, and Pace’s motto – Opportunitas – resonates deeply with me,” said Ahdieh. “Higher education is at an inflection point, and those institutions that are willing to engage honestly with the moment, to lead with ambition, and to bring their communities along will be the ones that define what academia looks like for future generations. I cannot wait to work alongside Pace’s students, faculty, staff, and communities both in New York City and Westchester — who make the University what it is today — and together take it to even greater heights.”

Ahdieh holds an A.B. from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and a J.D. from Yale Law School. He began his career as a law clerk to Judge James R. Browning of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and subsequently served as a trial attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. A scholar as well as an administrator, his research spans financial regulation, corporate law, administrative law, and comparative and international law; he has held visiting professorships at Princeton, Columbia Law School, and Georgetown University Law Center.

Krislov will officially depart Pace at the end of the calendar year. Since he joined in 2017, the institution has gone through a period of progress and transformation. Pace has secured record levels of public and private funding, launched the Sands College of Performing Arts, and reimagined its New York City campus through landmark investments, including the opening of 15 Beekman and the renovation of One Pace Plaza East. The University went through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with steadiness and resolve, while emerging as a leading advocate for student mental health and well-being.

Krislov prioritized student success and Pace’s graduation rates improved. He advanced Pace’s mission to provide the highest quality of teaching, including personally teaching law students at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and undergraduate students.

“Pace made significant advancements during President Krislov’s nearly ten-year tenure,” said Chairman Sands. “Marvin has worked tirelessly on the advancement of Pace’s commitment to Opportunitas and on behalf of Pace students. The Board of Trustees is grateful for the many positive contributions Marvin has made and wishes him well in his future endeavors after Pace.”

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.