PSJA ISD Hosts Grand Re-opening Celebration and Tours for Dr. Daniel P. King PSJA College & University Center, Reinforcing Commitment to Equitable Education and Career Opportunities

SAN JUAN- Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) hosted a re-opening celebration and tours for the Dr. Daniel P. King PSJA College & University Center on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. The ceremony was a momentous occasion for PSJA ISD and the surrounding community, underscoring the center's significance as an educational institution and emphasizing its pivotal role in providing students with diverse opportunities for career advancement in high-demand fields. 

Named after former superintendent Dr. Daniel P. King, the center houses the PSJA Academies and the PSJA Collegiate School of Health Professions, serving as a college-styled campus for students engaged in specialized programs in partnership with higher education institutions, such as South Texas College. 

The celebration highlighted PSJA's dedication to providing an opportunity-filled education for all students, emphasizing the district’s efforts in preparing students for meaningful careers that contribute to the overall growth and development of the community. 

Event attendees included School Board President, District Leaders, higher education partners like South Texas College, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, PSJA Education Foundation members, and Region One Executive Director and namesake, Dr. Daniel P. King, with his family members. 

PSJA Board President Carlos Villegas, Jr. welcomed guests and expressed gratitude for the contributions Dr. Daniel P. King brought to PSJA. He also shared excitement for the ongoing efforts of PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias and his team in building a vision that provides all students with equitable educational opportunities. 

PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias thanked everyone for their collaboration in ensuring PSJA continues to set up students for success, emphasizing the ongoing focus on ensuring equity for all students. 

“At PSJA, we want to ensure that ALL our students have the opportunity to succeed because they are our future,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “We are on the right track here at PSJA, and we want all our students in the district to be provided with options equitably. We currently have 27 certificates in different fields and continue to collaborate with a variety of partners to increase this.” 

The return of the Dr. Daniel P. King PSJA College & University Center to its full envisioned glory is a testament to PSJA ISD’s ongoing commitment to offering life-changing opportunities. 

During his tenure at PSJA, Dr. Daniel P. King opened pathways for students by collaborating with educational partners to ensure that all students had opportunities to earn associate degrees or college certificates, connecting every single student to a successful future. 

“Thank you PSJA Board, Administration and entire PSJA Family, it was an honor and privilege to serve you for 12 years,” said former PSJA Superintendent Dr. Daniel P. King. “So many of you touched my heart and my life. I was blessed beyond measure to be a part of the incredible PSJA story. I know that PSJA will continue changing lives and building the problem solvers and leaders of tomorrow.  May God continue to bless PSJA!” 

According to Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias, through its equity approach, PSJA ISD is proudly continuing the longtime vision of ensuring every student graduates from high school with either a College Certificate, Industry Certificate, or up to an Associate Degree. 

For official photos of the ceremony, visit the PSJA ISD Facebook page. The livestream of the ceremony is available on YouTube and Facebook.  

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