DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Cristo Rey Dallas Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Patrick M. Walsh, Ph.D., Admiral US Navy, Ret. as president of Cristo Rey Dallas, a leading Catholic college prep high school located in the Pleasant Grove area of the city, effective April 15, 2022.
As a nationally recognized military, business and education leader over the past four decades, Admiral Walsh brings extensive leadership experience to the role, including a 34-year decorated career serving as a deputy-director, director, commander and vice chief of Naval Operations in the United States Navy.
Drawing on his extensive leadership background, Dr. Walsh is charged with leading the next phase of development and community engagement for Cristo Rey Dallas, which focuses on an innovative model of college preparatory education. Cristo Rey Dallas provides students from limited economic resources with an exceptional education while earning hands-on, corporate work experience to help lay the foundation for success in college, professional endeavors and life.
“Pat has been involved with Cristo Rey Dallas since its founding, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to campus as president,” said Scott Moore, board chair for Cristo Rey and managing partner for PwC. “His impressive background, leadership experiences and worldly knowledge will add a tremendous amount of value to the school’s leadership team and to the entire student body.”
Walsh added: “With the opportunity to come full circle and return to Cristo Rey Dallas after being involved in its founding, I’m grateful to be able to pursue my deep-rooted passion for education and help shape our next generation of leaders. Nurturing and challenging young women and men of all faiths along their educational journey and helping them realize their full potential as they grow to love God, respect others and serve their community is at the heart of Cristo Rey. I very much look forward to being a part of the Cristo Rey family and doing all I can to help our students prepare for the next phase in life, while working every day to further deepen our engagement with the Dallas community.”
Admiral Walsh held many significant leadership positions over his 34 years in the Navy, including becoming a carrier-based, combat fighter pilot, flying as a pilot for the Blue Angels, serving as chairman of the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the U.S. Naval Academy, and ultimately as commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, responsible for the largest naval force in the world.
Following his military career, Pat was vice president of The Boeing Company, the senior vice president and general manager at iSIGHT Partners and president of Strategic Programs with Academic Partnerships LLC. Most recently, Admiral Walsh co-founded The First Watch Group, which provides transformation, turnaround, business development, due diligence, and coaching services, where he was a consultant in partnership with former business leaders in the Aerospace & Defense industry.
“I am extremely pleased with the selection of Admiral Patrick M. Walsh as the new president of Cristo Rey Dallas,” said Edward Burns, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. “His impressive record of service to his country and his many achievements as a servant leader are very impressive and will serve the school well. I pray for his success and look forward to working with him.”
Admiral Walsh was also recognized as Military Leader of the Year by America’s Future Series in 2012 and has been awarded the Sun and Star Legacy Award, the International Friendship Award, Grand Cordon – Order of the Rising Sun in Tokyo, Japan, the Tong-il Award and the Eagle on the World Award for his service in the military. Most recently, Admiral Walsh was presented with the Aerospace Leadership Award by the Commemorative Air Force in Dallas in October 2021.
Pat was the second student in the history of Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas to receive both the Distinguished Graduate and Distinguished Alumnus Awards. He later went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at the United States Naval Academy, followed by a Master of Arts in criminal justice from Chapman University, a Master of Arts in law and diplomacy and a Doctor of Philosophy from Tufts University.
About Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep
Located in the Pleasant Grove area of Southeast Dallas, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep is a Catholic high school that provides students from limited economic resources of all faiths with a college preparatory education enabling them to become men and women of purpose and service. Through a rigorous curriculum, integrated with a hands-on professional work experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life. Each student participates in the Corporate Work Study Program which offers a weekly work study experience for all four years. Cristo Rey Dallas is a Member School of the nationally recognized Cristo Rey Network consisting of 38 high schools in 24 states collectively educating 12,200 students. For more information visit cristoreydallas.org.
