Pena Retires From South Texas College

Diana Pena, vice president of finance and administrative services for South Texas College, will retire from the college effective Jan. 31, 2011. Pena, a Rio Grande City native, has been with the college since 1998. She oversaw a variety of crucial services that ensure the college runs and functions on a daily basis, including maintenance, facilities, security, human resources and all financial and business functions, excluding financial aid. She managed an annual budget of more than $130M.

“Diana Pena has played an instrumental role in the success of STC during the last 12 years and has made many significant contributions to the fiscal integrity and stability of the institution,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president. “The entire institution extends its appreciation to her for her years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to making South Texas College the premier institution it is today. We share in her excitement as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.  We will miss her, and will forever be grateful for her many contributions to the college.”  
Recently, Pena was named the 2010 Outstanding Chief Business Officer for Region IV of the Community College Business Officers Association. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence and exceptional service as chief business officers. Pena was selected as the Region IV winner, which encompasses community colleges across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Prior to joining STC, Pena worked for the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District for 30 years, serving in different management positions, including five years as the assistant superintendent for business and operations.

Pena earned her bachelor’s in business education from The University of Houston and her master's of education from The University of Texas-Pan American. She also earned professional mid-management administrator and superintendent certificates from UTPA.

“I want to thank Dr. Shirley Reed, the Board of Trustees and every member of the STC community for the support and friendship I have received during my time with the college,” Pena expressed. “It has been so rewarding to help grow this institution to the power house it is today. I also want to thank the devoted staff from the Division of Finance and Administrative Services. They are the silent heroes that make this institution run so seamlessly. I know I have created the most efficient team possible and am leaving my division areas in the best hands.” 

Jose Cruz, STC vice president for information services and planning, will assume interim responsibility for administrative services in the areas of operations, bookstore, vending, facilities planning and construction, and security. A national search is currently under way for a full-time replacement for the college’s vice president for finance and administrative services position.

Photo caption: Diana Pena, STC vice president of finance and administrative services, is honored at the college’s January board meeting for more than 12 years of dedicated service to the college. She will retire at the end of the month. From left front are STC Board Vice Chair Rose Benavidez, Diana Pena, STC President Shirley A. Reed, STC Board of Trustees Chair Gary Gurwitz and STC Board Member Roy De Leon. From left back are STC Board Members Dr. Alejo Salinas Jr. and Jesse Villarreal and STC Board of Trustees Secretary Oscar Longoria Jr.