Joe Pena

I received my B.S. in Pastoral Ministry from OKWU in 2022 and decided to join the staff team. I am also the Worship & Young Adults Pastor at one of our local churches, Sooner Park Wesleyan Church. Bartlesville has slowly become my home and I love every bit of it!

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… 

Doc’s Coffee Shop! It is such a great place to not only get coffee but to chat and build community with students and employees.

OKWU is special because… 

It is more than just a university — it is a family! From the moment I stepped on campus as a student to now being staff. I have never been to a place where the professors and staff 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 and my church family. I love cooking new things and trying out new recipes and dishes! Ask me about my favorite dish to make!