Dr. Berta F. Murray 1927 - 1956 "The First Lady of PPAS"

The school was opened in October of 1924 by the Women's Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Synod of Texas. The first graduating class consisted of two members in 1928. There would be over 100 graduates by 1945.

The original building used was a dormitory. Later in 1928 a second dormitory and the administration building would be built. By 1937, a practice house used for senior courses in homemaking was built.

Many of the girls trained at the school began operating a kindergarten in the Mexican quarter of Taft by 1939. And by 1941, a day nursery would be opened.

It was part of Berta Murray's dream or vision that a co-educational school be created. And in 1956, she saw her vision take form (Presbyterian Pan American School). In 1955, she would serve as President of Tex-Mex. after Dr. McLane resigned. And in 1956, she become one of two Vice-presidents of Presbyterian Pan American School.

In 1956, the Texas-Mexican Industrial Institute was merged with the Presbyterian School for Mexican Girls to form a co-educational Pan-American program.