As the spring semester is now in full swing, I take this moment to reflect on the incredible energy and commitment that define Pace University. Our students, faculty, and staff continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a shared dedication to our mission.

Next week, I invite you to join me for the 2025 State of the University Address on Monday, February 10, at 12:10 p.m. in the Student Center at One Pace Plaza on our New York City Campus—or tune-in online. This is an opportunity to look at the road ahead, to discuss the challenges facing higher education, and to highlight the ways the people of Pace are shaping our future.

I believe in Pace’s future because of you—the students who pursue their dreams with determination, the faculty who challenge and inspire, and the staff who work tirelessly to support our mission. Your commitment to education and innovation makes Pace what it is: a university that delivers real-life learning and extraordinary outcomes.

I hope you’ll join me for this important conversation. And as we move through the semester, keep an eye out for more details about Commencement 2025, when we’ll celebrate another extraordinary class of Pace graduates.

Additionally, I encourage you to take part in these upcoming events:

• Spring 2025 Job and Internship Fair | Friday, February 7
  Connect with top employers and explore career opportunities at one of our biggest networking events of the year.
• NY Fed President Williams Speech & Q&A | Tuesday, February 11
  New York Federal Reserve President John C. Williams will give prepared remarks and take questions from the Pace audience.
• Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night | Sunday, February 11
  Faculty and staff, join us at the Goldstein Fitness Center for a night of recognition and community. During halftime, I’ll take on Chad Walker, Pace Football’s new head coach, in a free throw showdown—each basket made earns $50 for the Pace Cares fund. No RSVP needed!

I look forward to seeing you on February 10 and continuing our work together.

Sincerely,
Marvin Krislov
President, Pace University

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With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Jah Davis (she/her) is dedicated to fostering inclusive campus environments and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As the Senior Director of DEI at Pace University, she brings expertise in institutional advocacy, civic engagement, and student-centered programming. Jah’s leadership is rooted in her own experiences as a first-generation college student from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, shaping her passion for social justice and community building. In this Q+A, she shares her vision for DEI at Pace, the initiatives she’s most excited about, and her commitment to strengthening connections across all three campuses.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to work in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Pace?

I’m a first-generation college student from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, a neighborhood rich in cultural diversity. Growing up in this vibrant community fostered my early appreciation for equity and inclusivity. My own experience navigating the challenges of adapting to campus life deepened my commitment to social justice and ultimately led me to pursue a career in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership.

With a passion for DEI and college student development, I’ve dedicated nearly a decade to higher education, working in Residential Life and DEI leadership roles at Binghamton University and Pratt Institute. Now, I’m thrilled to be at Pace University, collaborating with a dynamic DEI team and engaging with this vibrant campus community!

What is your role in the department? What does a typical workday look like?

As the Senior Director of DEI, I develop and implement strategies to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion across all three Pace campuses. My work involves collaborating with senior leadership to integrate DEI principles into university operations, designing and facilitating training programs, and reviewing policies to identify areas for improvement.

I also serve as a resource for students, staff, and faculty, providing guidance on DEI-related initiatives while representing Pace in external partnerships and advocacy efforts. The beauty of this work is that no two days are the same—each day presents new opportunities to create meaningful change and foster inclusivity within the Pace Community.

As we head deeper into the Spring 2025 semester, what excites you most about working in the DEI Department at Pace University?

I’m most excited about building relationships across all three campuses. The warm welcome I’ve received from colleagues and students has been incredible, and I’m eager to collaborate on DEI initiatives that foster belonging and connection. I’m also looking forward to learning more about the Pleasantville Campus and its surrounding communities while continuing to engage with our New York City and Haub Law campuses.

Is there a particular initiative or event that you’re especially looking forward to this semester?

Yes! I’m especially excited about the upcoming Days of ORIGIN initiative. Bringing together all three campuses for collective dialogue is a powerful opportunity—one that reinforces the importance of community and shared experiences. Now more than ever, fostering inclusive conversations and meaningful connections is essential, and I can’t wait to be part of this impactful event.