Edward Joseph Mortola (February 5, 1917 – October 21, 2002) was an American academic and education executive who served as president of New York's Pace University from 1960 to 1984, when he became chancellor.
[1] Born in New York City, Mortola graduated from Regis High School and continued on to Fordham University, receiving his undergraduate degree in mathematics in 1938, an M.A.
During the final year of the war, he was assigned to Madison, Wisconsin as the director of the Registration Division of the U.S. Armed Forces Institute.
Upon leaving the Navy at the end of the war, he returned to Fordham where, while completing studies for his doctorate, he worked as an assistant registrar.
[3] Under his leadership, the number of degree programs expanded and separate schools were established in the liberal arts, education, nursing, computer science and law.
Early-bird classes were offered for students who worked during regular business hours and a center was established for retirees who wished to remain active.
[7] Following a long illness, Edward Mortola died at his home in the New York City suburb of Rye on October 21, 2002.