David L. Archer President | Christian Brothers University website

Nick Peña, a professor and associate dean at the Rosa Deal School of the Arts, is playing a key role in shaping future artists and graphic designers at Christian Brothers University (CBU). “Every time I meet a new freshman class, I’m ecstatic about the possibilities,” Peña said.

During his time at CBU, Peña has contributed to growth in the Visual and Performing Arts Department. The department has seen an increase in students majoring in the arts and more programs and opportunities have become available. With support from university leadership and colleagues, Peña introduced a graphic design concentration, opened an Innovation Lab, and started summer art camps for elementary and middle school students.

Peña holds a bachelor of fine arts from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and a master of fine arts from the University of Missouri – Columbia. His work as an artist often explores contrasts such as past versus present and analog versus digital.

Before joining CBU, Peña worked as an ocularist after moving to Memphis in 2007. He created prosthetic eyes and maxillofacial prosthetics for patients but eventually returned to academia. In 2010, he became a visiting assistant professor at CBU. He was named chair of the department in 2021 and interim associate dean in June 2024.

Peña said one of his favorite aspects of teaching is watching students grow during their years at CBU. “As professors, we have a unique perspective,” he said. “The students know they are smart and capable, but they are in a new environment. They may have deficiencies in time management. They may struggle to balance freedom with the rigors of academics. We first see them when they are a little off balance. Then, as juniors and seniors, we see their confidence and academic prowess. All start to align, and they are thriving.”

Peña has also focused on outreach efforts aimed at younger students by establishing summer art camps for grades 3-8 this past summer with plans for expansion in 2026. “Through our summer program, we wanted to provide experiences for aspiring artists, build community presence, and strengthen alumni ties,” Peña said. “We want the art camps to be touchpoints for parents and future students. We haven’t targeted this age group before, and it was a challenge. But we’re academics; we understand how to build curriculum. Through the program, we were able to spread the joy of creating while promoting student curiosity, dexterity, and perception—all of the touchpoints of development.”

In addition to his responsibilities at CBU, Peña co-owns Wonder | Cowork | Create LLC with his wife—a co-working space designed for creative freelancers, organizations, and small businesses—and is preparing work for an upcoming show scheduled for April 2026 at the Carnegie Center for Arts and History in Jackson, Tennessee.