Joe Pena

Assistant Director of Admissions, DSO



Joe Pena

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, until I moved to Bartlesville for college. I graduated OKWU in 2022 with a B.S. in Pastoral Ministry and am currently working on my Ordination for the Wesleyan denomination.

The best part about my job is…

Interacting and engaging with students and their families. Everyone has a story, and I enjoy hearing each student’s story and helping them on their journey. My goal is not only to help each student as much as I can, but to help them find a place where God is calling them to be.

My favorite place to hang out on campus is… 

The trees next to the GPS building! It is such a great spot to hammock with friends. You can setup your hammock and hang out with friends, read a book, or just enjoy the beautiful weather. I have made so many memories with friends hammocking in in trees!

OKWU is special because… 

It is more than just a university — it is a family! From the moment I stepped on campus I was welcomed by students, staff, and faculty. I have never been to a place where the professors not only care about your education but also your walk with Christ and your life outside of school. They are here to help you succeed — not only in your field of study, but in life!

I’d tell a prospective OKWU student… 

Visit campus and pray about it. It was on my visit that I felt God calling me here to OKWU. Pray about where to go and ask God for guidance. If you can see yourself at OKWU, awesome. If you feel like OKWU is not the place for you, awesome. Pray about college and most importantly follow where God is calling you to go!

When I’m not working, I like to… 

Spend time with close friends. I like to go Disc Golfing whenever I have time and it is a nice day. I am also super involved in Sooner Park Wesleyan Church. COOKING, I LOVE cooking new things and trying out new recipes and dishes! Ask me what my favor dish to make!

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