Pedro Rivera

Dr. Pedro A. Rivera II, is the 10th president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He joined the College on October 1, 2020. Before joining the College, he served as Pennsylvania Secretary of Education. He was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education in 2022 and serves as Chair of the Board's Council 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.

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, and The Hunt Institute. He demonstrates his commitment to his local community by serving on the boards of Community First Credit Union Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster County STEM Alliance, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, St. Joseph’s University, and WITF Public Broadcasting.

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.