Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: Adam Reichardt Former Dean of Pace Law School, Stephen J. Friedman will take on the role of President this semester.

After seven years, David A. Caputo has retired from his position as Pace's President on June 3rd. "I appreciate the support of the Pace trustees, faculty, students, alumni and staff over the past seven years. I look forward to spending more time with my family and on a variety of personal interests," he stated, as reported in Pace's Press Release on May 15th.

With his departure, the path has been cleared for former Dean of Pace Law, Stephen J. Freidman, to step up.

Friedman began his new position of Interim President on June 4th, stating that the adjustment had been great, though adding that he "obviously (has) a great deal to learn."

A graduate of Harvard Law, Friedman joined the University in 2004 as the Dean of Pace Law School. As reported by the Pace website, the school excelled under Friedman's direction as Dean. "The Law School's bar pass rate was the highest in more than a decade; the school's national rankings improved; and in 2006 more than 91 percent of Pace Law School's recent graduates reported full-time employment within nine months of graduation." (Pace.edu)

Though the title of Interim President implies Friedman's position will be temporary, he stated he will act as though it is permanent.

"I have no interest in being a custodian," Friedman said. He also added that he will "absolutely implement changes."

In comparison to Caputo, Friedman said the two have different styles of leadership. "I'm probably more of an open person and am more comfortable with transparency of facts," he commented.

The new president plans to begin what he hopes will be a "relatively short" planning system, which he stated would include a "relatively small" amount of students.

Some of the goals Friedman expressed include improving the enrollment numbers, whose ratings Friedman believes could use a boost.

Friedman said he plans on focusing on the next three to four years, concentrating on financial stability and the success of academic programs. These, he believes, are the areas which will greatly effect enrollment.

Although he admits that it is near impossible to be terrific at everything, he adds that "it is truly important to be terrific in some things."

Friedman thinks it is important for the Pace community to agree on both a shared vision of what the University should become in the future, and areas to excel in.

"My main purpose is to create a platform that makes a better educational experience." Friedman does not believe the guaranteed tuition was a wise strategy, and will market the school to prospective students by focusing on Pace's professional education.

He wishes to improve the school's quality, acquire financial stability, and to better student life. "Minor changes can make a tremendous difference," he stated. "If you really make changes every year, week, or month, after two to three years there are going to be significant changes."

The President also believes that student retention has room for improvement as well. He plans to actively focus on individual retention, and wishes to receive feedback from transferring students in the form of exit interviews. "That [information] will help us as our admissions process becomes more selective," he said

Feeling not quite nervous, nor relaxed, Friedman is confident in his abilities. "I don't underestimate the challenges we have, but I think they're all do-able," he added. "I'm a great believer in continuous improvement."

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