Long before she became dean of the College of Education (COE) at the University of Houston–Clear Lake (UHCL), before she stood at podiums inspiring future educators, and before her name graced the halls of academia with respect and admiration, Dean Joan Yvonne Pedro was a young girl in Trinidad and Tobago, raised by her grandmother’s wisdom and the unshakable belief that education was the key to transformation.

Orphaned at a young age, Dean Pedro found stability and purpose in her grandmother’s care and the values of humility, faith, and service instilled within the walls of St. Joseph’s Convent. Even as a child, she stood out with a quiet compassion and eagerness to help others. She was a choir member, a leader, and a dreamer. Dean Pedro was already teaching neighborhood children at 12, unknowingly sowing the seeds of a lifelong calling.

“When I was around 12 years old, I started teaching my younger brother and the neighbor’s children to read and do math,” Dean Pedro said. “Throughout my academic journey, I focused on understanding and sharing concepts in a way that helped my peers and me pass exams. I believe that my experiences have shaped my passion for teaching.”

Teaching was never just a profession for Dean Pedro. It was — and remains — a sacred vocation and a purpose stitched into her identity. “I genuinely believe teaching is a calling,” she said. That calling led her through a rich and expansive career, beginning with teaching high school in her homeland, before finding her true passion in special education. Dean Pedro’s deep commitment to students with different abilities guided her to the School for the Hearing Impaired, and later to the Wharton Patrick Special School and beyond.

But Dean Pedro was never content being still. Her path was one of purposeful ascent. As she taught, she also learned, earning her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, her master's in Special Education from the University of Miami, and continuing to build bridges between educational theory and lived experience.

Her early work at the University of the West Indies and the University of Sheffield set the stage for global influence. From coordinating international programs to training educators across the Caribbean and North America, she fiercely devoted herself to inclusive, reflective, and culturally aware teaching.

Then came her impactful 15-year tenure at the University of Hartford, where she held many academic leadership roles. She shaped the teacher education curriculum, advanced accreditation efforts, and created space for new ideas. But in 2016, a new horizon beckoned.

She arrived at UHCL with a heart full of vision and a spirit ready to serve. Drawn by the warmth of the Gulf Coast and the welcoming campus community, Dean Pedro quickly became a beloved figure. As associate dean and later as dean of the COE, she brought not just leadership, but transformational leadership, the kind rooted in care, collaboration, and courage.

“When I arrived at UHCL, I immediately felt at home, like part of a family,” Dean Pedro said. “The genuine acceptance and support I received from faculty, staff, and administration truly made a difference,” she continued. “I saw UHCL as a university with incredible potential and a bright future, especially in STEM education. The institution's commitment to preparing future leaders in education and counseling resonated deeply with me.”

From the beginning of her deanship in May 2020, Dean Pedro sought not just to manage, but to ignite. Under her guidance, the COE evolved in scope and spirit. She launched the college’s first-ever Board of Advisors, designed to fortify support and bring the broader community into the educational conversation. She spearheaded initiatives like the Middle School STEM Pipeline in Dickinson Independent School District (ISD), opening doors for young learners and educators in science and innovation.

Furthermore, Dean Pedro championed pathways for students through Teacher Residency programs, high school-to-career pipelines, and ongoing faculty development. Under her leadership, the UHCL COE did not just respond to the community’s needs — it anticipated them, growing stronger through intentional partnerships, bold innovation, and a shared belief in every student's potential.

Dean Pedro’s proudest accomplishments were not measured in titles or accolades, but in impact. The Teacher Induction Ceremony, now a cherished tradition, was her brainchild, born from a simple desire to celebrate students meaningfully. The first event filled the Bayou Theater and touched hundreds of lives. “We filled the theater each semester,” Dean Pedro recalled joyfully. “It became a space of pride, unity, and hope.”

That same spirit of purpose and compassion that sparked the Teacher Induction Ceremony carried into every challenge Dean Pedro faced. Through challenges like budget constraints and recruitment struggles, she remained a lighthouse of optimism, constantly reminding her colleagues that with perseverance, vision, and heart, obstacles could become opportunities. Her leadership was not loud, but unshakably strong — fueled by integrity, anchored in humility, and always focused on lifting others.

“Despite difficulties, I focus on motivation and encouragement,” said Dean Pedro. “My goal is to empower my team to navigate current difficulties and continue preparing teachers who can truly impact children’s futures.”

In reflecting on Dean Pedro’s profound influence and legacy, UHCL Provost Christopher Maynard said it is one of unwavering dedication, charismatic leadership, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of education.

“As Dean of the COE, she has inspired faculty, empowered students, and strengthened our community through her tireless advocacy for student success and experiential learning,” said Provost Maynard. “Her retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter, but her impact will continue to shape UHCL for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her a retirement filled with happiness and fulfillment.”

Dean Pedro’s legacy is not only etched into programs and policies — it is alive in people: the faculty she mentored, the students she inspired, and the communities she served. She led with empathy and love.

After 56 years in education, Dean Pedro is entering a new chapter — not to rest, but to rediscover. With plans to write poems, paint, travel, and most importantly, be present with her children and grandchildren across the globe, she is stepping away from formal leadership, but not from a life of purpose. “I want to give back,” Dean Pedro said. “For all the wonderful opportunities and blessings I’ve received.”

Dean Pedro’s message to UHCL is simple and deeply reflective of who she is: “Continue to be the best you can be and move toward your highest potential. Every step you take contributes to your journey, and the strength and success of our community,” she said.

And her parting wisdom to future educators? “Always prioritize empathy and genuine connection. Remember that inspiring and supporting students is about understanding their unique journeys and fostering a love for learning,” Dean Pedro added.

In a world so often hungry for titles, power, and prestige, Dean Joan Yvonne Pedro chose something far greater — to walk in compassion, lead with grace, and teach in a way that transforms minds and hearts.

Her legacy is not just what she built, but how she loved — and that, more than anything, is what will endure.