Spotlight on UT Police: 2024 Awardee Edition

UT Police consists of police officers, public safety officers, telecommunicators, and civilian employees- all of whom contribute to the success of the division. Highlighting some of the people who work hard to ensure safety on the campuses of UTHealth Houston and MD Anderson provides more information to our community.

The 12^th annual UT Police Promotions and Awards Ceremony was held in May 2024. Here, we take a moment to catch up with the Of the Year awardees to learn more about them.

Senior Public Safety Officer- Tayelegn Abebe - 2024 Public Safety Officer of the Year

Tell us about your career with UT Police.  

I began my career with UT Police in November 2021 as a Public Safety Officer (PSO). I have grown through hard work and perseverance, and in 2023 I was promoted to Senior PSO. With this promotion came a host of new responsibilities, additional training, and the task of overseeing a team of ten PSOs. In this role, I am not only handling more paperwork but also expected to lead and set an example in any situation. Driven by a desire to continually advance, I am fully dedicated to a future with UT Police, aiming to rise through the ranks and take on new challenges. 

What do you feel is your greatest strength? 

I prioritize my work and pride myself on punctuality and a no-procrastination approach. My supervisors commend my work ethic. I’m always on time and am fully committed to my responsibilities. This dedication has not only helped me earn the respect of my supervisors, but also serves as a source of inspiration for the PSOs I now lead. It’s clear that maintaining this level of commitment is crucial to my continued growth and success with the UT Police. 

What are your goals? 

I have set my sights on professional development through specialized courses and certifications. I’m eager to pursue the Advanced Certification with IAHSS. This program builds on foundational skills to enhance complex security responsibilities within health care organizations. I hope to enhance decision-making skills, improve communication across the organization, and solidify security’s role within health care settings. 

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

Back home in Ethiopia, the New Year is marked by the blooming of the Meskel flower on September 11. I cherish the New Year as a moment to pause, reflect, and plan for what lies ahead. For me, it’s a time to assess strengths and weaknesses, and to prepare for a fresh start. The rains end, the sun shines brightly, and it symbolizes new beginnings. I take this day off every year to take the time to review my goals for the year by myself in a peaceful environment. Even though I haven’t had the opportunity to make it back home in a decade, the traditions and values tied to this holiday remain deeply meaningful. 

Public Safety Supervisor Donnia Thompson – 2024 Supervisor of the Year

Tell us about your career with UT Police.

I joined UT Police in March 2020, just prior to COVID-19 shutting everything down. Detective Adrianne Arceneaux took responsibility for my on-boarding, and in four days I was in the field. I was able to perform well as a new PSO because I made use of the many resources UT Police provides, including referencing and using comprehensive policies and guidelines, and developing a relationship with senior mentors. I also made great use of resources in the MD Anderson intranet. Overall, I had a desire to learn. Just over two years later, I was promoted to Senior PSO. I spent six months on evening shift where I learned as much as I could, utilizing my supervisors, seniors, and all the electronic resources available to me. By the end of 2022, I was promoted to Supervisor and entrusted to lead 2 new senior PSOs, 10 new hire PSOs, and the opportunity to transition into two new areas. In May 2024, I received Supervisor of the Year, and the rest is future! 

What do you feel is your greatest strength? 

I feel my greatest strengths are integrity, professionalism, caring, and dependability. I care about people and the quality of work that I put out. I care that others succeed, and we do well as a whole. I believe that these are important qualities to have if you are going to be a part of a successful team, and certainly as a leader.  

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome so far? 

The biggest challenge I have had to overcome so far is earning my bachelor’s degree. That may seem like a small task to some, but I decided to pursue my degree at a late age, and I was unsure that my brain would “cooperate.” However, once I started, I couldn’t be stopped. I feel so blessed to have finished and now I am looking forward to earning my master’s degree.  

What is your most proud work accomplishment? 

I am most proud of my four-year evolution from Public Safety Officer (PSO) to Supervisor of the Year. I am also proud that I was trusted to lead a project and a new team. I am pleased to be a part of the reason that UT Police is a great division.  

Executive Assistant Claudia Garcia – 2024 Civilian Employee of the Year 

Tell us about your career with UT Police.

I joined UT Police January 2021 and only began to meet many of my colleagues a month later since in-person interactions were restricted due to COVID. This was a challenge. It was a time where we all had to adjust to virtual life, and I had the opportunity to adapt to a new way of working right away with new teammates, new bosses, and a new mission. Although I missed out on the opportunities to interact and meet my colleagues during gatherings that would have typically occurred during the year, but I’m thankful now that the festivities are back, and we get to socialize in person. As a member of the administrative team, I interact with the executive team daily as well as other teams in our division, and I gain a lot of knowledge from them all.

What are your upcoming goals for the year?

I have three goals for the upcoming year. One relates to one of my favorite hobbies. I want to backpack to Havasu Falls in Arizona. The total hiking miles during the 4-day trip will be an estimate of 50 miles. Professionally, I have two goals for the upcoming year. First, I would like to participate in MD Anderson mentorship opportunities. My second goal is to start preparing to take the Project Management Professional test and become certified.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Halloween because it’s a time where all can be creative to make fun decoration pieces and costumes. I also enjoy buying candy for the children and listening to the reasons behind their costume choices.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome so far? 

Before working at UT Police, I worked with Facilities Planning, Design and Construction. The biggest challenges I’ve faced were in overseeing projects on a construction site without having my supervisor by my side. In the beginning, I thought that I didn’t have enough knowledge about construction to see projects to their end. As a result, I read, asked questions, and with much determination the projects got completed and the client was satisfied. I was rewarded by the client’s satisfaction and also encouraged to not doubt my abilities in getting things done.

Senior Detective Matt Cardenas – 2024 Investigator of the Year 

Tell us about your career with UT Police.

After working 17 years with another law enforcement agency, my career with UT Police began in 2019 when I joined as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2021, I was promoted to Senior Detective. I enjoy working with a great team of people here at UT Police and I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing organization. I am grateful and honored to have been selected for this prestigious award. I appreciate the recognition that has been bestowed upon me.

What is your most proud work accomplishment?

I have the privilege of working with an incredible team of individuals who have supported and helped me in my success. One case that stands out is when my team and I worked on a highly complex and very challenging case that initially seemed hopeless. Despite the odds, we persevered and worked tirelessly to unravel the intricacies of the case. Through our collective determination and commitment, we were able to provide closure and justice for the MD Anderson victims involved. While I can’t discuss the details openly due to privacy issues, this case truly showcased our expertise, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love everything about it - the cold weather, holiday food, music, Christmas parties, and spending time with family and friends. The festive atmosphere and the sense of togetherness during this time of year makes it truly special to me. I look forward to the holiday season every year because it brings so much joy and happiness to me and those around me.

Lead Telecommunicator Angel Sanders – 2024 Telecommunicator of the Year 

Tell us about your career with UT Police. 

I begin my career at University of Texas Police Department in April of 2003 as a Public Safety Officer. In January of 2006 I was promoted into the Police Communication Center now known as the Risk Operation Center, as a Telecommunicator operator. In 2010 I was promoted to Senior Telecommunicator, and in 2022 a Lead Telecommunicator. I celebrated 21 years of service in April of this year. 

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

My favorite holiday is Christmas! Being with family and friends, and especially seeing smiles on my children’s faces when they received gifts they wanted. I am very excited for this year because my son and his wife are expecting a bundle of joy in December. 

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome so far? 

I became a Grand Secretary for the Texas Women of Wisdom Grand Chapter and Worthy Matron of Ladies of Knowledge Chapter #1 of the Order of Eastern Star. These two positions helped mode me back into leadership. Previously, I worked at McDonald’s for 12 years and worked my way from crew person to store manager. I felt it was time for a career change in 2003, and started working for UT Police Public Safety Officer. I know the importance of being in charge and I did not want to take on that challenge again until I was ready. I became a Lead Telecommunicator in April of 2022. 

What is your most proud work accomplishment? 

My most proud work accomplishment is becoming a Lead Telecommunicator. I wasn’t in a hurry to become a Lead Telecommunicator because I wanted to make sure I was ready to do the job successfully and effectively. When some of my colleagues started retiring I knew it was time for me to step up and into the role as a Lead Telecommunicator. 

Officer Terri Johnson- 2024 Rookie Officer of the Year 

Tell us about your career with UT Police. 

I joined the University of Texas Police Department in 2021 as a Public Safety Officer after relocating from Memphis, TN. I tried out for Police Cadet in 2022 and successfully completed the University of Texas System’s Police Academy in May 2023 and was promoted to Police Officer. My journey doesn’t stop here. I am eager to take on more responsibility through promotion and continue to contribute to my department’s success in a leadership role. My personal goal was to be UTPD’s Rookie of The Year and it was not an easy task to do, but with God all things are possible. I am excited about my future. 

What do you feel is your greatest strength? 

I feel that my greatest strength is that I am disciplined and flexible. I feel that my greatest strength is that I am disciplined and flexible. I’m able to control my impulses and follow through with commitments. I have set goals for myself in my personal life and my career that I have achieved successfully. I am always open to taking on new tasks and assignments, even if they fall out of my scope. I have the adaptability and the willingness to continue to learn and study the law which assists me in being a better Police Officer for my community, my department and myself. 

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome so far? 

The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome so far would be living up to the expectations I set for myself to be a great Police Officer and keeping a positive attitude while doing so. I expect myself to always be early rather than on time (because early is on time) and to always be of assistance to my colleagues in any way possible. I expect to create healthy relationships and establish a favorable work/life balance. During my off time I like going home to Memphis, TN and enjoying some southern slow cooked dry ribs because we all know Memphis has the best BBQ! 

What is your most proud work accomplishment? 

My most proud work accomplishment would be winning Rookie of the Year. I’m unsure of the origin of the quote, but I like to remind myself, “Without commitment you’ll never start. Without consistency you’ll never finish.” I’m glad my department recognized my hard work and dedication. I’m looking forward to adding more accomplishments to my list. 

Officer Jaylin Thornton - 2024 Police Officer of the Year

Tell us about your career with UT Police.

I joined UT Police in 2022 after serving the City of Longview, Texas, for three years in my role as a Police Officer. During my time here, I have had the opportunity to contribute to various aspects of campus safety and law enforcement, including as an instructor in numerous law enforcement topics, a Field Training Officer, and a member of the UT System Rapid Response Team. Overall, my career with UT Police has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am committed to continuing to serve and protect to the best of my abilities.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is my favorite holiday, as it has been my entire life. Christmas is a time when my family traditionally comes together to celebrate, as we put up Christmas trees, lights, gift exchange, and share meals. My family and I also celebrate spiritually and reflect on the past year's accomplishments and challenges.

What are your upcoming goals for this year?

This year, I plan to enhance my professional development within my career as a police officer. I plan to complete this goal by improving my skills and knowledge through training programs, gaining leadership roles, attending workshops, and completing in-progress graduate degrees and certifications relevant to law enforcement.

Captain Wayne Smith - 2024 Leader of the Year

Tell us about your career with UT Police.

I joined UT Police at Houston in 2006. My first two supervisors were Sgt. Scott Barnwell and Lt. Kevin Gray. They really guided me and were awesome leaders on shift. I was involved with firearms training, chancellors cup matches, active shooter response, and was an original member of the UT System Rapid Response Team. We deployed to Galveston after Hurricane Ike and all over the state for special events. We were lucky enough to also travel all over the country for training. At some point, I was promoted to lieutenant and moved to night shift. Night shift was its own unique challenge, but also very rewarding.

After a couple of years on the night shift, the lieutenants rotated [assignments], and I moved to the day shift. Talk about a change! I was immersed all over MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston campuses at levels I had never experienced before.

Through the years there were many changes I was privy to with UT Police, such as the patrol rifle program, updated vehicle graphics, and I even rode-out through some crazy storms and freezes. After deploying to the Bastrop campus several times, I felt it might be the right place for me and sensed an opportunity for me to help make updates and changes to the campus. Fortunately, the lieutenant [over Bastrop] and the Chief of Police were both agreeable to a swap, and so we did!

In 2018, I was promoted to captain and took on additional responsibilities as the emergency management coordinator for all campuses we serve. This summer will be my 10^th year at the Bastrop location. Honestly, with almost 19 years under my belt, some things are a blur. I am super grateful to this organization for all the opportunities it has afforded me. 

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a law enforcement career?

Pay attention to what your leaders say and write. If it is important enough for them to communicate with you there must be a good reason so pay attention and act on it. It will separate you from your peers. Next – everybody screws up. Take responsibility and drive on. You can either learn from it or let it drag you down. I have been upstairs (called in to respond to an Internal Affairs/Public Integrity investigation) myself and it is not the end of the world. If you can onboard constructive criticism and move past it, it will separate you from your peers.

Be patient and be ready for an opportunity. Sometimes you must wait for your chance. Be ready. While you are waiting, hone your skills. If you want to be a leader, lead now in your current role, by example. If you want to be an investigator, investigate now in your current role. If you want to be promoted, pursue your education, and take the necessary assessment each year. You never know what might happen in a year. Do not try to ‘time’ it.

Start thinking and saving now for the future. You will thank yourself later. For my veteran brothers and sisters, buy your military service credit. Build and maintain your own personal wellness and resilience by investing in family, friends, and hobbies outside of law enforcement.

What is your most proud work accomplishment?                     

The relationship we have developed with the campus overall and the morale of our team are my proudest accomplishments. When I came to Bastrop in 2014 there was still some lingering angst. My predecessor had already begun to make some improvements and I just took the ball and ran with it. We were able to rebuild trust and develop some close working relationships which have seen us through additional challenges. Today, we have great relationships with the campus and its leadership, and our team morale is rather good. I call that a win!