windmills and solar energy panels representing sustainable businesses
Center for Sustainable Business

Directors

Canan Corus, Ph.D. - Associate Professor of Marketing, Lubin School of Business, Pace University

Pace University Lubin School of Business professor Canan Corus

Dr. Canan Corus is a highly respected expert in sustainability, social impact, and transformative consumer research. Her work bridges business strategy and social responsibility, focusing on consumer vulnerability, ethical marketing, and just transitions in resource-deprived communities.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Corus has published in leading journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, and Journal of Business Research. She has been awarded numerous grants and is a sought-after speaker, delivering professional talks at conferences and industry events.

Her insights help businesses develop market-based solutions that drive both profitability and societal progress. As a co-lead on the Just Transition in Resource-Deprived Communities initiative, she collaborates with UN agencies and global stakeholders to advance climate equity and sustainable development.

Dr. Corus consults on corporate sustainability strategies, guiding organizations on embedding social impact into their operations. Her interdisciplinary expertise makes her a sought-after advisor for businesses navigating sustainability and social impact priorities.

She teaches sustainable marketing, equipping future leaders with the knowledge to drive ethical and environmentally responsible business practices. With both industry experience as an international marketing executive and academic excellence, Dr. Corus helps businesses turn sustainability from an obligation into a competitive advantage—creating shared value for companies, communities, and stakeholders alike.

Burcin Col, Ph.D. - Associate Professor of Finance, Lubin School of Business, Pace University

Pace University Lubin School of Business professor Burcin Col

Dr. Burcin Col is an accomplished scholar in corporate finance with a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Her research explores critical topics such as corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, tax avoidance, and the evolving role of corporations and the financial industry in fostering sustainable business practices.

Her work has been published in leading academic journals, including Management Science, Review of Corporate Finance Studies, and Journal of Business Ethics, reflecting her dedication to advancing knowledge at the intersection of finance and sustainability. Dr. Col's research has been presented at prestigious conferences such as the American Finance Association (AFA) Meetings, National Tax Association (NTA) Meetings, and Global Corporate Governance Colloquia (GCGC), underscoring its relevance to both academia and policy-making.

Recognized for her contributions to corporate sustainability and governance, Dr. Col has received research grants from the Canadian Foundation for Governance Research and the NSE-IGIDR Corporate Governance Research Initiative. Her work has also been honored with the Best Paper Award in Corporate Finance & Financial Institutions by the Financial Management Association (FMA).

In addition to her academic contributions, Dr. Col serves on the Advisory Board of the Wall Street Climate Exchange and holds a Visiting Research Scholar position at NYU Stern. She also provides consulting on sustainable investments, advising corporations and investors on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into financial decision-making.

Dr. Col joined Pace University after obtaining her PhD in Finance at McGill University. She has designed and teaches the Sustainable Finance course at Pace University. Through this course, she equips students with the knowledge and tools to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of ESG investing, impact finance, and corporate sustainability strategies. Through her research, teaching and advisory roles, Dr. Col aims to bridge the gap between corporate financial decision-making and sustainable business practices, providing insights that help shape responsible governance and long-term value creation in an increasingly complex global economy.