UT Police Honors Excellence at 14th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony

Applause, pride and a strong sense of purpose defined the UT Police 14th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony, where more than 150 attendees gathered to recognize excellence across its division during National Police Week and Employee Appreciation Month.

More than 40 awards were presented, each representing not just a moment of recognition, but the culmination of unwavering dedication, thoughtful decision-making and the relentless effort employees bring to serving one of the nation’s most complex healthcare environments.

Keynote speaker Jeffrey E. Lee, M.D, executive vice president and chief physician executive, set the tone with a message centered on trust, preparation and the shared responsibility of those who serve others in critical moments.

“The bonds you form with each other through long shifts and shared challenges are critically important,” Lee said. “People who rise to the occasion in important situations depend on their training to support and inform the actions they take.”

For many in attendance, the ceremony marked significant career milestones. Promotions recognized not only advancement in rank, but an expansion of leadership, accountability and influence. Educational achievements reflected a commitment to continuous growth, while individual awards highlighted those who responded notably to critical situations and those who exhibited exemplary support to colleagues, patients and the broader community.

In his own address, Vice President, Chief of Police and Chief Security Officer William Adcox emphasized that each recognition represents far more than a title.

“Every award you hear announced is more than a citation or certificate,” Adcox said. “Each one is a mirror—a reflection of the character of the person who earned it and the quality of the work they perform every shift, every call and every interaction.”

The ceremony featured a range of UT System Police awards recognizing different forms of excellence, service and impact—from leadership in complex situations to courage, life-saving intervention, investigative skill, innovation and compassionate service.

Awardees included life-saving actions during a medical emergency, the swift and professional response to a serious safety threat involving a firearm, proactive intervention that supported a rapid response to a potential break-in, and compassionate, exemplary efforts to assist a vulnerable patient in securing safe shelter.

Honors selected by UT Police leadership celebrated individuals whose work sets the standard across the division:

• Public Safety Officer of the Year: Alyssa Tinoco
• Leadership Award: AnnaCatherine Roosa
• Supervisor of the Year: Robby Raju
• Telecommunications Officer of the Year: Mary Windham
• Civilian Employee of the Year: Vanessa Ortiz
• Investigator of the Year: James Gonzales
• Rookie Officer of the Year: Alex Aguinaga
• Police Officer of the Year: Jesse Hernandez

These awards reflected a wide range of contributions, from frontline response and investigative excellence to leadership, mentorship and critical behind-the-scenes coordination.

A meaningful highlight of the ceremony was the Civilian Service Awards, which underscored the essential UT MD Anderson partnerships that strengthen public safety operations:

• Nneka Kanu, senior legal officer, was honored for her expert legal guidance and dependable partnership, helping ensure transparency, compliance and confident decision-making.
• Brad DeLoach, director of Recruitment, was recognized for transforming recruitment through the “Fast Track – Hire in a Day” initiative, significantly improving hiring efficiency and bolstering staffing readiness.
• Angela Hayes-Rodgers, associate director of Patient Flow Operations, was acknowledged for her collaborative leadership and advocacy, enhancing coordination between clinical teams and police while supporting safe, patient-centered operations.
• Cherie Plouff, emergency readiness business continuity officer, was honored for her dual role in clinical care and emergency readiness, strengthening preparedness efforts and cross-functional coordination.
• Debbie Wright, patient relations manager, was recognized for her leadership in training and collaboration, helping integrate patient-centered practices into public safety operations and supporting workforce development.

Their work demonstrates how public safety extends beyond uniformed roles and relies on strong, cross-functional teamwork.

In his first address to ceremony attendees, Michael Parks, executive director of the UT System Office of the Director of Police, reflected on the importance of taking time to celebrate accomplishments that often go unrecognized.

“This is about celebrating the work that often goes unnoticed—the daily interactions that make a difference,” Parks said. “Your mission is to make lives better, to make it safer, and to prevent harm.”

Parks highlighted the unique demands of policing within a healthcare setting, where our commissioned officers and public safety officers are responsible for safeguarding patients, supporting clinicians and maintaining a secure environment for research and care.

“You safeguard not only our campus community, but patients seeking healing, students pursuing their futures and staff supporting a critical mission,” he said.

The ceremony included a stirring performance by Houston Police Department Officer K’Yuana Nelson and a presentation of colors by the University of Texas Medical Branch Honor Guard, adding to the event’s celebratory and reflective tone.

Following the program, attendees gathered with family and friends for photos, refreshments, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Organizers said the ceremony continues to serve as a powerful reminder that recognition is not only about honoring past achievements, but also about reinforcing the values of professionalism, integrity and compassion that guide the work ahead.

As Lee noted in his closing, the recognition may last an afternoon, but the responsibility continues every day.