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When Stephanie Akunvabey, EdD, joined Pace University in 2023 as associate vice president for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, she arrived not just to lead but to listen. What she heard from students, faculty, and staff sparked a bold, strategic transformation—one that redefined a division and expanded a mission. This fall, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officially relaunched as the Division of Opportunity and Institutional Excellence (DOIE), a shift that reflects not only a change in name, but an evolution in purpose: to create a more inclusive, supportive, and impactful Pace for every member of its community.

Your division has evolved into the Division of Opportunity and Institutional Excellence (DOIE). What does this name change represent for Pace and our community?

Expansion. As a team, DOIE is laser focused on expanding our impact, improving the student experience, and making sure that Pace is a place where everyone feels welcomed and supported. With that in mind, we’ve intentionally partnered with Human Resources, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and other University divisions to ensure that inclusive excellence is a value that guides how we work, learn, and grow together.

How does DOIE define “opportunity” and “institutional excellence,” and why was it important to bring these ideas together under one division?

Pace has a long history of providing students with one-of-a-kind opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. As a division, we strive to ensure that every Pace student can access those opportunities. We are committed to supporting socially, culturally, and economically diverse populations by mitigating barriers that have traditionally made it difficult for some students to truly thrive. We believe that an institution can only be excellent if it is fully committed to creating inclusive policies and practices.

Can you share a little about the DEI Realignment Plan and what motivated these shifts?

When I arrived at the University in August 2023, I went on a listening tour. During that time I heard from the Pace students, faculty, and staff who had championed diversity efforts at the University long before my arrival. It was clear that while there had been lots of progress, there was still a lot of frustration. The institution had followed a common model of creating small enclaves of support for students of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but it hadn’t proved to be enough.

The realignment plan allowed us to create an organizational structure that would expand our service focus to include other historically marginalized student groups, while also supporting faculty and staff. We made an intentional effort to focus on preventive measures and educational tools, rather than just compliance and reporting for Title IX issues.

How will DOIE ensure that its work reaches all members of our community, across all campuses?

In the past two years, we’ve begun partnering with the Haub School of Law and reimagined our approach on the NYC and Pleasantville campuses. The Gosin Center for Equity and Inclusion has proven to be a hub for important dialogues and new leadership opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Office of Multicultural Affairs (ōMA) in NYC is a Pace hallmark, and ōMA in Pleasantville has revamped its programming and expanded its partnership with the Athletics division. The Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness does really important work with all of our first-year students and provides critical support for the community through the peer educator program on both the NYC and Pleasantville campuses. Our entire division actively engages with alumni and community partners in NYC and Westchester. Our footprint is bigger than ever, and we’re looking for creative ways to do more.

In your letter to the community, you mentioned a focus on “integrating inclusive excellence into every aspect of University life.” What does that look like in action—especially for students and faculty day-to-day?

Inclusive excellence is a strategic approach to embed our work into the core of the institution’s primary functions. We’re leveraging a few key drivers to ensure that we move from aspiration to action. When it comes to teaching, hiring, University programming, or community engagement, we want everyone to use a lens of cultural awareness that celebrates diverse perspectives. We’re doubling down on our partnerships and working to create a culture where a commitment to shared equity leadership and accountability are the norm.

DOIE works closely with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Human Resources. How are these cross-campus partnerships helping to make the work more impactful?

Historically, equity and inclusion work has been left in the hands of a few passionate and committed individuals. That approach has not moved the needle in the way that we hoped. Shared equity leadership simply acknowledges that everyone has a role to play in improving our campus environment. Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Human Resources have been amazing partners, but we’re looking to work closely with other areas in the near future. As an example, it requires a coordinated effort between multiple divisions to ensure that essential accommodations are granted for members of our community with various accessibility needs. There’s lots of work to be done in this area, and collaboration is the only way to make the progress that we hope to achieve.

This fall, DOIE is hosting a series of launch events across campuses. What can attendees expect, and why should they make these events a priority?

We know people still have questions about what this change means. The launch events will give faculty and staff an opportunity to hear directly from me and the team. We’ve planned for great discussions, interactive components—and we’ll even have a cookie or two. Folks should show up for the good vibes and the refreshments.

Will there be any opportunities to share ideas, join committees, or participate in programming as part of the launch?

Absolutely. The launch events are a kick-off to a full year of engagement and movement towards a new vision. We have a few significant opportunities for folks to get involved and help shape what comes next.

What is one simple thing every member of the Pace Community can do right now to support DOIE’s mission?

Keep an open mind. I know there’s a great deal of change and uncertainty, but the DOIE team remains committed to deep and meaningful service. We invite the Pace Community to join us in our radical commitment to social impact, justice, and equitable student success.

Looking ahead, what’s your biggest hope for the impact DOIE will have on Pace by the end of the 2025–2026 academic year?

We want to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for the community. We’ve found a way to be nimble and creative, and we’re darn proud of the progress we’ve made. This year, we want to create spaces where people can connect, commune, and collaborate. If folks leave our events with a bit of joy or a fresh perspective—we’ve done our job.

Questions, feedback, or ideas? Reach out to Stephanie and the DOIE team at doie@pace.edu.

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Semester!

I hope you had a restful and rewarding summer and are returning to Pace with fresh energy for the year ahead. Whether you are just joining us or returning after some time away, I’m glad you’re here.

To our returning students—welcome back. I hope you’re reconnecting with your peers, settling into your routines, and setting new goals for the semester ahead. To our faculty and staff: thank you for all that you do to support our students and strengthen this University. Your commitment and care make a real difference, and I’m grateful for the energy you bring to this new academic year.

A special welcome to the Class of 2029. It’s always a joy to celebrate the start of the year at Convocation. Whether I’ve already had the chance to greet you or will see you soon, I look forward to welcoming you into the Setter family.

As we come together across our campuses, I want to remind everyone of something essential: take care of yourself. Get enough sleep. Eat well. Try new experiences. Meet new people. Set boundaries when you need them—and give yourself the space to grow. When you prioritize your well-being, you set yourself up for success in every area of life.

College is a unique time—one that is meant to be both challenging and joyful. Even in a world that can sometimes feel unpredictable, your time at Pace can be filled with connection, curiosity, and purpose. Be open. Be present. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or change direction along the way.

You’re not doing this alone. Our faculty and staff are here to support you, and your peers are part of the journey, too. If you need help, ask for it. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with a conversation. This is a community that believes in lifting one another up.

Later this month, we’ll host our Welcome Back receptions on both campuses (insert date). I hope you’ll stop by to connect with others and celebrate the start of a new chapter.

Let’s make this semester one of purpose, growth, and momentum.

Welcome back,

Marvin Krislov
President

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is pleased to announce that Professor Alexander K.A. Greenawalt has been appointed as James D. Hopkins Professor of Law for the 2025–2027 term.

The title of James D. Hopkins Professor of Law is awarded to a member of the faculty for a two-year term in recognition of outstanding scholarship and teaching. The designation is considered to be among the Law School’s most significant faculty honors. During the holder’s term, the James D. Hopkins Professor delivers a lecture that is open to the entire law school community and members of the public.

“Professor Greenawalt joined the Pace Haub Law faculty in 2006 and has contributed tremendously to the Law School in the last nearly twenty years. His scholarship in criminal law, international law, and the laws of war has been published in prestigious law journals and recognized by his peers (including with Pace Haub Law’s distinguished Goettel Prize for Faculty Scholarship in 2024, 2018, and 2016). He was also previously honored with the Richard Ottinger Faculty Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the law school and the legal profession. We are honored to have Professor Greenawalt serve as our next Hopkins Professor,” remarked Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr.

Prior to joining the faculty of Pace Haub Law, Professor Greenwalt was an attorney with the firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where his practice focused on international disputes. He was a teaching fellow at Columbia Law School in 2005 and was previously a clerk for the Honorable Stephen F. Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Professor Greenawalt is a graduate of Columbia Law School, where he was a James Kent Scholar and Articles Editor of the Columbia Law Review.

At Pace Haub Law, Professor Greenawalt previously served as the Stevens Family Faculty Scholar and has taught Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law, Administrative Law, International Criminal Law, United States Foreign Relations Law, and National Security Law. His recent publications include ‘With Intent to Destroy, in Whole or in Part’: Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, and A Lost History, published in the Wisconsin Law Review in 2024. He was a Visiting Professor at Columbia Law School during the Spring 2017 semester, and has also been a Visiting Professor at St. John’s Law School.

The James D. Hopkins Professor of Law is an endowed chair, which was established with contributions from alumni of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and members of the legal community in honor of Judge James D. Hopkins, who served as Interim Dean of the Law School from 1982 to 1983. His distinguished service to society and to the legal community was a shining example of the life one should live in the law.

Immediately prior to the appointment of Professor Greenawalt, Professor Margot Pollans served as the James D. Hopkins Professor of Law. Learn more about the James D. Hopkins Professor of Law chair and its past recipients.

Starting a new semester is exciting—but it can also come with a lot of logistics. From figuring out your financial aid package to making last-minute schedule changes, Pace’s Pop-Up Student Solutions Centers are here to help you navigate it all, so you can focus on what really matters: going for it this semester.

Whether you’re on the New York City Campus or the Pleasantville Campus, you’ve got dedicated support from teams across Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and the Registrar’s Office. No appointments needed—just show up during operating hours and get the answers you need.

Pop-Up Hours:

• Wednesdays, Fridays, and Mondays: 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Open Tuesday, September 2, through Monday, September 8

Locations:

• New York City Campus: 161 William Street, 8th Floor
• Pleasantville Campus: Choate House

From adjusting your class schedule to understanding your tuition bill, the Pop-Up Student Solutions Centers are here to simplify your start to the semester. Because when things run smoothly, you can spend less time in line—and more time chasing what’s next.