Dr. Gabriel “Gabe” Trujillo’s journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and transformational leadership. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, into a Spanish-speaking, United States military family, he is the eldest of four children. His father, a son of migrant workers, joined the military at a young age to build a better future, while his mother, whose parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic, had only a third-grade education.

Raised with a deep appreciation for hard work and resilience, Dr. Trujillo arrived in the U.S. from Panama in the early 1970s, speaking only Spanish. Through life’s challenges and triumphs, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to faith, family, and education. For 37 years, he has been married to his high school sweetheart, and together, they have raised three children, all products of public education and college graduates.

Dr. Trujillo’s academic and professional journey reflects his unwavering pursuit of excellence. He began his higher education at New Mexico Military Institute in 1986 before earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wayland Baptist University in 1992. He continued his studies, earning a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wayland Baptist University in 1994, followed by a superintendent certification from Texas Tech University in 1995. In 2018, he completed his Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

A lifelong learner and steward of education, Dr. Trujillo has further honed his leadership skills through prestigious programs, including the Executive Leadership Institutes at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. He was also selected for the distinguished Holdsworth Superintendent’s Leadership Program, which supports diverse and transformational leaders shaping the future of public education in Texas and The Thompson Executive Leadership Institute, nationally recognized for the advancement of superintendent leadership.

A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Dr. Trujillo has dedicated his life to service—both in and out of the education sector. He has served on numerous boards, including Dallas Baptist University, local economic development organizations, and Chambers of Commerce. His passion for mentorship has led him to serve as a Cub and Scoutmaster, and he continues to chair various nonprofit and participates in civic organizations that uplift his community. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys outdoor cooking, grilling, and immersing himself in nature.

Dr. Trujillo’s leadership in education has earned him statewide and national recognition, including prestigious honors from administrative organizations and a superintendent nomination by his former board. His ability to lead with vision and integrity sets him apart as a leader among leaders. His career has provided him the opportunity to serve rural, suburban and urban communities in various school district leadership capacities, to include his successful Superintendency with Nacogdoches ISD.

Those who know Dr. Trujillo describe him as a confident yet humble, passionate, and bilingual public servant. He is deeply committed to fostering excellence—not only in his own growth but in the development of those who share his calling to serve children. As a Superintendent, he has built a reputation as a decisive, steadfast, and thoughtful leader who is both data-informed and values-driven. At his core, Dr. Trujillo is a servant leader who understands that true leadership is built on relationships. His impact extends beyond his own achievements—he is shaping the future of public education, inspiring the next generation of leaders, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.