Feature Stories Alumni: James Pace ’09: Forever a Corsair

For James Pace ’09, being a Corsair has always been about family. His older brother, Malcolm Pace ’08, became part of that family when he decided to pursue a degree in mathematics at UMass Dartmouth, laying the foundation for James’s own connection to the University. 

Each visit James made to Malcolm on Ring Road during his senior year at Brockton High School was a glimpse of his future as a Corsair. Not only did he experience daily life at UMass Dartmouth, but he also made lasting friendships, including one with a soon-to-be college roommate. James reflected, “It already felt like home to me there.” 

It was a no-brainer—James knew his path was set, and UMass Dartmouth was where he belonged. As a crime and justice studies student, he didn’t just focus on his academics; he became deeply involved in the campus community in ways that only strengthened this sense of family.  

James was an active member of Sigma Phi Rho fraternity, worked closely with Chris Laib in the SAIL Office, served as an international orientation leader, and was part of the Student Conduct Board. “All of these experiences set the foundation for my leadership,” he shared. “I learned how to be a better leader from the faculty and staff at the University.” 

“The people on campus gave to you. The University’s leadership put so much effort into your growth and development. While friendships and connections made at UMass Dartmouth tend to get lost along the way, getting involved as an alum is a great way to give back to the University where it all began.”

James felt so at home at UMass Dartmouth that he spent his summers painting dorm rooms and welcoming incoming students as an orientation leader. It wasn’t just about the work; it was about being part of something bigger—it was about being a Corsair. “The University made me feel like they wanted me there,” he said, appreciating the sense of belonging that went beyond the classroom. 

When Crime & Justice Studies professor and Director of Black Studies, Viviane Saleh-Hanna, PhD, and Professor Emerita of Crime & Justice Studies, Susan Krumholz, PhD, introduced James to the probation field as a scholar, they encouraged him to pursue internships with the Brockton District Courthouse, the Fall River Superior Courthouse, and the New Bedford Superior Courthouse. It was advice he took to heart, gaining valuable hands-on experience from these opportunities.  

“The tools that I got from the University really helped me learn the importance of teamwork, building your professional network, and understanding yourself and where you want to be in the future,” James said. Through those internships, he not only acquired valuable industry skills but also made a crucial connection with a federal probation officer, who encouraged him to pursue his current career back in 2015. Today, James is a Supervisory Probation Officer for the District of Massachusetts, overseeing the entire state from his office in Worcester, MA, while also holding a master’s degree in criminal justice from Bridgewater State University and a law degree from Suffolk Law. 

James supervises probation officers who monitor individuals charged with federal offenses and released from prison or jail, guiding them in making recommendations to judges about the terms of release and any additional conditions to support a successful transition back to civilian life. 

“Some may commit offenses that are heinous, and nobody in their lives will accept them,” said James. “We bridge that gap to support them and hold them accountable. It’s hard to grow if they don’t have a foundation to stand upon, so our goal is to help them become successful while protecting the community.” 

These principles of support, accountability, and establishing a solid home base were lessons James first embraced as a Corsair at UMass Dartmouth, shaping his approach to his work today. It’s also why he gives back to the University he called home for four years, serving as a dedicated member of the Alumni Association. Committed to supporting the University’s mission and enhancing alumni engagement, James works alongside fellow Board members and the Office of Alumni Relations to create opportunities for connection and support within the UMass Dartmouth alumni community. 

“I want to support the younger generations of Corsairs,” James explained. “I never thought doing an internship would matter 10 years down the line, but all it takes is one conversation with one person. Somebody saw me and gave me a chance, so I want to see a student that’s not being seen and make a difference in their life.” 

To James, UMass Dartmouth is more than just an institution that turns dreams into diplomas—it’s been a family, offering support and a sense of belonging. That connection didn’t end when he graduated, and he continues to embrace the opportunity to give back to the community that played a key role in his rise to professional success. 

“The people on campus gave to you,” James said. “The University’s leadership put so much effort into your growth and development. While friendships and connections made at UMass Dartmouth tend to get lost along the way, getting involved as an alum is a great way to give back to the University where it all began.”