Recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change, his work continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands.

Pedro A. Rivera II, Ed.D. is the 10th president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He joined the College on October 1, 2020. Prior to joining the College, he served as Pennsylvania Secretary of Education.

He was appointed by the Governor to both the Pennsylvania State Board of Education where he serves as Chair of the Board’s Council of Higher Education, and the newly formed State Board of Higher Education.

Rivera, a lifelong educator and leader, is dedicated to ensuring equitable access and funding for education. In September 2014, the White House recognized his transformative efforts in urban education by honoring him as a Champion of Change. He has also held key positions, such as President of the board of directors for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and member of President-Elect Joseph Biden’s educational transition team and Governor Josh Shapiro’s education transition team.

“My whole career has been focused on serving students from underserved and underrepresented communities and providing opportunities for first-generation college graduates, and high school graduates. Being able to engage firsthand with an institution and to engage with faculty, staff, and students who are focused on the same things that I believe in led me to ponder, this was an opportunity of a lifetime.’ And being able to do so from my community in Lancaster was the icing on the cake,” President Rivera said.

As a first-generation college graduate, Rivera embraces lifelong learning. He holds 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 Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

He serves on the board of directors for the Aspen Institute K12 Climate Action, Aspen Education Cross-Partisan Education Policy Network, The Hunt Institute, and is a member of the Science of Learning & Development (SoLD) Alliance. He demonstrates his commitment to his local community by serving on the boards of Finanta Credit Union, Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster County STEM Alliance, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, and Pennon.

Rivera is a native of Philadelphia (and a fan of all things Philadelphia sports) who warmly calls Lancaster home with his wife Erika, son Lucas, and daughter Elena.