Jessica Magaldi, JD, Ivan Fox Professor and Scholar of Business Law at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business, has been named one of the 50 Best Undergraduate Business School Professors by Poets & Quants for Undergrads. The annual list highlights educators recognized for their influence on business education nationwide.
Magaldi was nominated by 19 colleagues, administrators, and alumni who cited her academic rigor, mentorship, and innovative teaching methods. “She exemplifies what this award seeks to honor: a professor whose influence extends far beyond course content,” said alumna Samantha Dorsi ’23. “At the same time, she maintains rigorous academic standards and brings genuine passion into the classroom.”
Alumna Dhruvi Gandhi ’18 described Magaldi as “the standard by which I measure what an exceptional professor should be.”
Magaldi is noted for adapting her teaching to student interests. She created a class called Music Industry and the Law (Taylor’s Version), using Taylor Swift’s career to teach about intellectual property and music industry law. “As I heard students talk about Taylor Swift in other contexts, I saw how powerful that connection was. I wanted to harness that interest that students had in Swift to direct it to the business and legal issues that she was involved in,” Magaldi explained.
Alumna Natalie Filkins ’25 praised this approach: “Her class bridged a gap between the business and humanities departments, and she developed it in response to student interest,” Filkins said. “She has been able to bridge the gap between current events and complicated legal topics.”
Magaldi also participated in Pace’s First-Year Seminars with a course titled Pop Culture and the Law. Using films like My Cousin Vinny and Legally Blonde, she helped first-year students navigate university life while learning about legal concepts.
Her approach extends beyond academics. “I have a lot of compassion for the learning process,” Magaldi said. She acknowledged challenges faced by students such as financial stress or personal trauma: “There are so many things students are dealing with. We have to appreciate our students as whole people in the context of their larger lives.”
Dorsi emphasized Magaldi’s support outside coursework: “Perhaps most importantly, Professor Magaldi supported me as a whole person… That mentorship made all the difference.”
Filkins added that Magaldi’s mentorship continued after graduation: “I worked as a research assistant for Professor Magaldi for three years… She was, and continues to be, a huge source of inspiration for me in pursuing a legal career.”
Gandhi highlighted ongoing guidance from Magaldi: “Professor Magaldi has shaped the foundation of my personal and professional life… Her influence has followed me across countries, institutions, and years, and it continues to guide my decisions today.” Gandhi further stated: “Some professors teach courses. Professor Magaldi changes the direction of lives.”
In 2019, just two years after joining full-time faculty at Pace University, Magaldi received the Homer and Charles Pace Faculty Award.
Looking ahead, Magaldi is developing an AI tutor for her classes based on technology used by Gabriel Terrizzi at Pace University. She is also co-authoring a book aimed at helping new college students adjust during their first year.
Reflecting on her role as an educator, Magaldi said: “The best parts [of my job] are being able to make real connections with people.” Gandhi concluded: “She sees potential in students long before they see it in themselves and then stays invested in that potential.”
