Professor Emil Mathew has spent about seven years at Pace University, first as a master’s student, then as a doctoral candidate, and now as an adjunct professor. His experience gives him insight into the academic journey of students and helps him connect classroom learning to professional growth.
Mathew’s interest in finance began with a childhood visit to the New York Stock Exchange. “The energy, the people, and the idea that information and judgment could move markets drew me in,” he said. He later built his career focusing on markets, valuation, and decision-making at major firms.
He chose the Lubin School of Business at Pace for its reputation and flexibility while working full-time. “Once enrolled, the experience exceeded expectations. The faculty were deeply knowledgeable and committed to student success, and my cohort included accomplished professionals who built a strong, supportive community,” Mathew explained.
His research interests include mergers and acquisitions valuation, economics, trading, business operations, and technology-driven firms. According to Mathew: “These areas matter because small errors in valuation, market assumptions, or operating forecasts can lead to significant economic costs—mispriced deals, distorted incentives, and inefficient investment.”
In his classes at Lubin School of Business—including courses such as Business Economics (MBA802), Behavioral Finance (FIN671), Trading (DVF350), Financial Management (FIN260), Principal of Investments (FIN351), Personal Financial Planning (FIN330), Principals of Fixed Instruments and Markets (FIN359)—Mathew emphasizes applying finance concepts to real-world decisions rather than rote memorization. Students work with market data using Bloomberg terminals and AI tools to build investment theses and present their recommendations professionally.
He described his own time as a student at Lubin as formative due to both challenging coursework and strong support from faculty like the late Professor James C. Hall. That environment encouraged him to pursue further studies through Pace’s Doctor of Professional Studies program.
Balancing full-time work with graduate studies was one challenge he faced: “Managing long workdays, late nights, and competing priorities required consistency and focus without letting standards slip.” He also spoke about adapting quickly through various phases of his career—from leadership roles in industry to teaching in academia.
While Mathew has held senior positions such as Senior Vice President, Interim Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Operating Officer after earning his MBA degree, he says his proudest achievements are those involving students’ success: “Watching students progress from learning the material to owning the analysis… is deeply meaningful.”
Mathew also coordinated the Alpha Seekers equity research competition at Lubin School of Business so students could demonstrate skills beyond their resumes by developing investment theses supported by analysis before presenting them for live feedback from industry leaders. The event included participants from neighboring colleges for broader networking opportunities.
Asked what lesson he hopes students take away from his teaching: “Learn to think and communicate clearly… your advantage comes from turning complexity into a simple, defensible decision.”
For Mathew “#LubinLife means community and momentum—practical learning…and a network of students and alumni who challenge and support each other.”
