Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology President Pedro A. Rivera II, Ed.D., has been named the recipient of the 2025 Leadership and Service Award by the Penn State Alumni Society, recognizing his distinguished career in education and commitment to expanding access to transformative learning opportunities.
The prestigious award honors College of Education alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service within their profession, community, or society at large. Recipients are selected based on notable achievements and must be graduates of Penn State’s College of Education.
“This recognition reflects the mission and values we embrace every day at Thaddeus Stevens College,” said President Rivera. “Creating pathways to education for those who might otherwise lack access isn’t just our institutional commitment—it’s personal to me as a first-generation college graduate.”
Since becoming the tenth president of Thaddeus Stevens College in October 2020, Rivera has strengthened the institution’s position as an architect of opportunity for students pursuing high-demand careers with family-thriving wages. Under his leadership, the College has expanded industry partnerships, enhanced hands-on learning experiences, and boasts an impressive 98% job placement rate.
Prior to joining Thaddeus Stevens College, Rivera served as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education. His extensive career in education also includes service as superintendent of the School District of Lancaster and various leadership roles within the School District of Philadelphia, where he began as a classroom teacher.
Rivera’s own educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University, a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Cheyney University, a Superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Arcadia University, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
The award was presented at the Penn State College of Education’s annual recognition dinner earlier this month, where Rivera will join distinguished alumni making significant impacts in education and beyond.