August 14, 2025

To the Pace Community:

I’m pleased to share an important update on the evolution of our institutional commitment to serving socially, culturally, and economically diverse populations.


Since joining Pace University as Chief Diversity Officer in August 2023, I’ve focused on assessing our institutional needs and identifying opportunities for growth. During this time, we’ve navigated complex socio-political challenges with thoughtful, swift action—prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community while preserving an environment of open inquiry and respectful dialogue.

With this context in mind—and in alignment with our DEI Realignment Plan—we are renaming the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Division of Opportunity and Institutional Excellence (DOIE).


This change reflects a broader, forward-looking approach to serving our community. The new name captures our mission to create access and opportunity for all members of our community while also holding ourselves to the highest standards of institutional effectiveness, inclusion, and accountability. It signals our commitment to integrating inclusive excellence into every aspect of University life—from policy and programming to partnerships and culture.


In Spring 2024, we launched a DEI Realignment Plan to address key institutional priorities. This marked a critical first step toward a more dynamic and sustainable model for advancing Opportunitas and our strategic goals. Through practical policy updates and new initiatives, we have made measurable progress in supporting a broader cross-section of the Pace Community. Our annual report (PDF) highlights the success and impact of these efforts.


Recent changes in the federal landscape have further catalyzed innovation and adaptation. We rose to the occasion by leveraging strong partnerships across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Human Resources. This pivotal moment allowed us to reimagine our approach to inclusion and laid the foundation for transformative change.


Throughout Spring 2025, members of the Federal Administration Task Force and many others worked diligently to assess and respond to an unprecedented wave of change—recognizing that more is yet to come.


With the first phase of our realignment work now complete, I’m excited to begin this next chapter as the Division of Opportunity and Institutional Excellence (DOIE)—grounded in purpose, powered by partnerships, and focused on impact.


I look forward to sharing our plans for the 2025–2026 academic year during our DOIE Launch Events. Stay tuned for information about events on your campus. For questions, please contact the Division of Opportunity and Institutional Excellence directly at DOIE@pace.edu.


Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Warm regards,

Stephanie Akunvabey, EdD

AVP for the Division of Opportunity and Institutional Excellence

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