UT Police Honors Excellence at 13th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony

The University of Texas Police at Houston (UT Police) hosted its 13th annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony at the Cooley University Life Center at UTHealth Houston, celebrating the dedication, service and leadership of officers, staff and community partners over the past year.

“The Promotions and Awards Ceremony is one of the most meaningful events we hold each year because it allows us to pause and recognize the exceptional people who make our mission possible,” said Vice President, CSO, and Chief of Police William Adcox to the audience in attendance in person and virtually.

The ceremony highlighted promotions, individual achievements, and team efforts that contributed to the division’s mission of public safety. The University of Texas Medical Branch Honor Guard joined their Houston counterparts to present the Colors, and Public Safety Officer Joseph Keenan performed the national anthem.

Dr. Nancy McNiel, Senior Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs for UTHealth Houston, delivered the keynote address. She spoke about the essential role UT Police plays in promoting a culture of safety and excellence, and the division’s broad impact on the community.

“Excellence is not an act, but a habit, a relentless pursuit of perfection in every task. It is the resilient drive to improve and the refusal to settle for mediocrity,” McNiel said. “The awards presented reflect that spirit and honor those who go above and beyond, setting the standard for what it truly means to be a member of UT Police. Leadership is about inspiring others to do their best, leading by example, and fostering an environment grounded in respect and collaboration."

Several individuals were acknowledged and celebrated for receiving external awards. Sylvia Arrizola, Director of Police Administrative and Support Services, received MD Anderson’s Distinguished Mentor Award. Roy Williams, also a Director of Police Administrative and Support Services, was honored with the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Soaring Eagle Leadership Award. Senior Public Safety Officer Armando Viscarri was recognized for receiving the Heart of MD Anderson Award.

UT Police also presented Civilian Service Awards to individuals and organizations that have exceptionally supported the division’s work. Honorees included Billivan Ho, IT support technician; Henny Van Dijk, UTHealth Houston Retirees Organization; and the Houston Fire Department’s Station 33.

The event also acknowledges broad team contributions for collective efforts in responding to emergencies and improving operational effectiveness. This year, the efforts recognized the notable efforts surrounding Hurricane Beryl, Winter Storm Enzo, the Risk Operations Center’s radio enhancement project, response to the major 1MC water leak, and a traffic and pedestrian safety initiative in the South Campus.

There were a lot of personnel moves in the prior year. In all, 32 individuals were recognized for their promotions, which included 17 team members who were promoted from the role of Public Safety Officer to Senior Public Safety Officer.

The division also formally acknowledged 40 members of UT Police with awards for outstanding service, professional development and contributions to public safety. The awards given included: Award of Excellence, Certificate of Merit, Distinguished Service, Humanitarian and Police Commendation. These awards followed a nomination process reviewed by a UT Police committee composed of staff and community members. The nominations were reviewed and approved internally prior to the same by the Office of the Director of Police within the UT System.

To close out the event, divisional awards were also announced. These honors are based on nominations from fellow UT Police team members and are selected by the Executive Leadership Team. This year’s recipients include:

• Civilian Employee of the Year: Eric Thacker
• Investigator of the Year: Johnathan Fraley
• Police Officer of the Year: Terri Johnson
• Rookie Police Officer of the Year: Valerie Smith-Williams
• Public Safety Officer of the Year: Ruben Arnsworth
• Telecommunicator of the Year: Carol Walker
• Supervisor of the Year: Brodie Riner
• Leadership Award: Marvin Radford

"Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients and those who were promoted,” Adcox said. “Your dedication and service continue to elevate our standards and strengthen the culture of excellence that defines UT Police at Houston.”