Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Pace’s MS in Publishing program Manuela Soares, PhD, was featured in an article in Publisher’s Weekly, as the program celebrates its 40th anniversary and enrolled nearly 100 students in the 2024-25 academic year across various degree tracks and accessibility options.

In the article, Soares, who has directed the program for seven years, discusses the competitive strengths of the program, in addition to its response to current industry challenges.

She touts the program’s affordability; its industry-drawn faculty; student mentoring and networking opportunities with professionals, alumni, and industry groups; a dedicated full-time faculty member to place students in internships; student representation each year at the Frankfurt and London Book Fairs; and access to The Publishing Lab, an annual journal allowing students to handle the entire publishing workflow.

Soares is an industry veteran who has directly witnessed the transformation of the publishing industry from strictly analog to one that is increasingly digital. In spite of these technological challenges, the MS in Publishing program continues to endure, with 1,000+ alumni since its inception in 1985.

She said, “To succeed in publishing, you need to be able to adapt.” To this end, she is teaching a new ethics course that addresses contemporary challenges—from political polarization to technological disruptions such as AI—facing the industry.

Ultimately, according to Soares, the key element to success in publishing is skillful storytelling.

“What it all comes down to is the ability of a storyteller to intrigue someone, to move them emotionally. That is what matters and that is what will last."

Pace kicks off the academic year with growth in academic areas such as health science, business management, film and screen studies, and more

Pace University recently hosted Convocation on two of its campuses: New York City and Pleasantville in Westchester County. The annual tradition formally welcomes first-year and transfer students to the University community and marks the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year.

As student performers, faculty, and staff cheered on new arrivals, the tone was set for a year defined by purpose and connection. The two-day program included music, student-led reflections, remarks from senior leadership, and the ceremonial presentation of class pins.

“You are now part of a community that will challenge you, support you, and help you grow in ways you can’t yet imagine,” said President Marvin Krislov. “And while the start of something new may feel a little overwhelming, you should know this: you belong here, and you are ready.”

“At Pace, opportunity means more than just access to education—it’s about responsibility, growth, and making choices that shape your future,” President Krislov added. “Ask questions. Take care of yourself. And know that we’re here to help you succeed every step of the way.”

This fall, early indicators show strong momentum across campuses. Pleasantville is experiencing notable gains, with total applications up 13% and housing deposits up 17% from last year. Lubin School of Business enrollments are trending upward on both campuses, with a 63% increase in finance major deposits University-wide—including a 116% spike in Pleasantville.

Across the board, Pace is seeing growth in high-interest majors including health science, nursing, business management, arts and entertainment management, film and screen studies, political science, criminal justice, and game development.

Students in the Class of 2029 hail from 46 states, two U.S. territories, and 60 countries—underscoring Pace’s broad geographic reach and diverse student body.

In their remarks, student leaders reflected on their own journeys and encouraged the incoming class to find community and purpose through connection and involvement.

“Pace has been more than a university—it’s been a launchpad for growth, community, and purpose,” said Nick Diaz, president of the Student Government Association in Pleasantville. “When I look back on the challenges and triumphs of the past three years, I see how this community lifted me up and helped shape the leader I am today.”

“Reaching your full potential doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means showing up, trying, and saying yes to the opportunities around you,” said Mason Bray, president of the Student Government Association in New York City. “That’s how I found community and purpose here at Pace, and it’s how you will too.”

Students also shared their excitement and aspirations as they begin their college careers.

“Pace instantly felt like the right place for me—with a great marketing program, an amazing cheer team, and so many ways to get involved,” said Ryann Robinson, a first-year marketing major from Washingtonville, N.Y. “Convocation was inspiring—it made me feel like I’m really part of something, and now I can’t wait to dive in.”

“Coming to New York City to study musical theatre has been a dream, and Pace is where I know I can grow into the artist I want to be,” said Hayden Poe, a first-year musical theatre student from Dalton, Georgia. “Convocation reminded me that I’m not alone—I’m surrounded by people who are just as passionate and ready to make their mark.”

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, 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, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice and Security Cathryn Lavery, PhD, had an op-ed piece on the courage of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors and the broader implications for how our criminal justice system treats victims published in The Hill.

The article underscores the systemic failures that allowed exploitation to persist, while also emphasizing the urgent need for reforms that protect, believe, and support survivors of trafficking and sexual violence. According to Lavery, when survivors of Epstein step forward, it’s not merely a personal act, but also a political one that challenges entrenched power, demanding accountability from institutions that too often silence or dismiss victims.

In The Hill piece, she also discusses how coverage on the courage of Epstein’s survivors needs to go beyond momentary headlines and be followed by real change.

This involves training law enforcement in trauma-informed practices; courtroom protections for survivors, such as shield law and confidential testimony; the providing of long-term resources, such as stable housing, mental health care and job training, so that lives may be rebuilt; and, finally, accountability of the system itself; that is, a willingness to confront those with power and wealth who finance trafficking and sexual violence.