Today@Sam Article
Commencement Spotlight: Jaime Peña
August 2, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins
Jaime Peña
Palestine, Texas
Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
Jaime Peña has always felt a strong connection to Sam Houston State University.
Despite numerous uncertainties early on while pursuing his undergraduate degree in music, including a brief hiatus from his studies, the Palestine, Texas native couldn’t shake the feeling that he was meant to be here. Now, as he prepares to receive his master’s degree in higher education administration, Peña realizes this steadfast connection was due to his morals and aspirations aligning perfectly with those of the university he calls home.
“I want to be able to support people through my strengths and help create a community in which they feel comfortable sharing ideas,” he said. “At Sam, I’ve found mentorship, friendship and guidance as well as tips and tricks on how to maneuver school and work on a daily basis.”
While pursuing his master’s degree, Peña played an integral role in the creation of the university’s First-Generation Center, which launched in June of 2022. He has since served as the center’s assistant director, despite his young age, and as a source of inspiration for one of Sam Houston State’s largest student populations.
“The passion I have for this work comes from a desire to do it for other first-generation students who have big goals and big dreams,” he said. “I want to share that with other passionate people so they feel encouraged and supported.”
He was first pegged for the role by Provost Michael Stephenson, who had the original vision for the First-Gen Center. Peña worked in the provost’s office for one month before he first heard of the idea.
“He knew how much it meant to me to help students,” Peña said. “Once the center came to its physical space in the library, I began to understand how deeply important the project was to him.”
Driven by his passion for service and a willingness to make his mentors proud, Peña worked diligently on establishing the center’s reputation on this campus and beyond, all while working toward his master’s degree.
“Those steps were important for me as a young scholar and professional and as someone who is very energetic,” he said. “I owe all that perseverance to my family, friends and mentors.”
He also claims to owe it to the university’s motto: The measure of a Life is its Service. This happens to align perfectly with his own motto, which he borrowed from a Spider-Man video game.
“If you help someone, you help everyone,” Peña said. “We never know who is struggling or needs support. Sometimes, we just need to surround ourselves with the right people. I think that’s what Sam Houston does well. Everyone here can find that group they feel energized with. Those mottos both resonate with the community aspect here.”
Peña has many professional interests and aspirations in higher education, mainly due to the numerous mentors who guided him along his own journey. For now, however, he maintains his role at the First-Gen Center.
“The work is not done yet. I want to pour as much as I can into this before I leave,” he said. “Until then, I’ll just be your friendly neighborhood Bearkat.”
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