Stephanie Akunvabey has been appointed as Pace University’s new Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and its Chief Diversity Officer. Akunvabey, Ed.D., brings extensive experience in championing equity and inclusion in higher education to her new role. She previously served in a similar capacity at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, where she provided strategic leadership and developed policies and practices to foster an anti-racist, diverse, and equitable community across the university’s campuses.

In her role as Chief Diversity Officer, Akunvabey will lead efforts to create and maintain a welcoming and just campus environment for all members of Pace University across its three campuses in New York City, Pleasantville, and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains. Her responsibilities include overseeing various offices and centers related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

President Marvin Krislov praised Akunvabey’s experience and her alignment with Pace University’s mission of providing opportunities for a diverse student body, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college.

Akunvabey holds an Ed.D. in Higher and Postsecondary Education, an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Personnel Administration from New York University, and a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Africana Studies from Agnes Scott College. Her research has focused on college access for Black and Latino youth in the U.S., access and inclusion issues in higher education in India and Israel, and educational equity for young girls in South Africa.

Pace University is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment and has established various offices and initiatives to promote equity and inclusion, including The Barry M. and Jackie Gosin Center for Equity and Inclusion. Stephanie Akunvabey’s leadership will play a crucial role in advancing these efforts and supporting the university’s commitment to fairness and equity for all students.