The Pan American Presbyterian School Appoints Rev. Dori Kay Hjalmarson as Chaplain

Rev. Dori Kay Hjalmarson has been appointed chaplain at the Pan American Presbyterian School, effective immediately. This marks the first time in seven years that the institution has had a resident chaplain. Hjalmarson brings a wealth of experience in ministerial leadership to the school, located in Kingsville, Texas.

Hjalmarson previously served as a missionary collaborator for the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. There, she worked to promote theological education and leadership development across 30 congregations of the Presbyterian Church of Honduras, with which the denomination maintains a collaborative relationship. Her background includes roles as a chaplain in hospitals and palliative care centers, as well as work as an editor and journalist for a newspaper.

In 2017, Hjalmarson was ordained by the Presbytery of Santa Fe of the Evangelical Church in America as a minister of the Word and Sacrament. She was also a remote member of the Preparation Commission for the Ministry of that presbytery. In 2015, she earned a Master’s in Theology from the Theological Seminary of San Francisco.

With a strong background in intercultural relations, Hjalmarson will lead religious services at the school’s chapel, preaching weekly to a diverse congregation of students, staff, and faculty. She will also serve as the focal point for the “Arc of Ministry Center” of Austin Seminary, an initiative supported by the Lilly Endowment Foundation. This program aims to guide high school and university students in vocational exploration within ministry. As a collaborating center, the Pan American Presbyterian School will receive part of the grant. Hjalmarson will represent the school in joint projects with Austin Seminary and other affiliated institutions.

Dr. W. Joseph King, president of the Pan American Presbyterian School, emphasized the importance of spiritual development for students. “A professional like Rev. Hjalmarson is needed,” he said. “We look forward to their joining our university community and playing a key leadership role in student life.”

Hjalmarson expressed enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am looking forward to meeting this new challenge. I have long felt the vocation to accompany people in the joys and challenges of life, especially in multicultural and multilingual settings. I am happy to join Pan American and its mission of offering young people a creative and solid religious formation and spiritual foundation.”

The appointment reflects the school’s commitment to integrating faith and learning, as well as its dedication to supporting students in their spiritual and vocational journeys.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)