Marcus Williams, assistant chief of police for UT San Antonio’s Health Science Center, was formally sworn in April 7, marking a milestone in a career defined by strong leadership and operational excellence.
Williams brings more than 18 years of campus law enforcement experience to his role. Much of his career has been dedicated to public safety and police operations within a complex academic health environment, where he has cultivated a deep understanding of the specialized demands of campus and healthcare-based law enforcement.
Williams’ appointment as assistant chief follows 16 months of service as interim chief for the UT Health San Antonio Police Department. In recognition of his exemplary leadership in this role, Williams was honored with the Executive Director Distinguished Command Award, presented by Michael Parks, executive director of police for The University of Texas System Police.
“[Assistant Chief Williams] stepped into the role of Interim Chief of Police during a period marked by organizational change and operational complexity,” Parks wrote in his commendation. “Despite the challenges, [he] led with calm resolve, strategic clarity, and a focus on mission readiness.”
Policing on an academic health campus presents unique challenges for law enforcement personnel. Officers at health campuses are trained to operate in sensitive clinical and research settings, respond to high-risk medical emergencies, support patient safety and coordinate with inpatient and outpatient staff, first responders and administration, all while maintaining regulatory compliance and continuity of care.
As interim chief, Williams played a critical role in ensuring the department meets these demands, overseeing enhanced security planning for healthcare facilities and supporting specialized training for sworn officers and security personnel.
In the award commendation, Parks attributes Williams’ success to his people-centered leadership, acknowledging Williams for “prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of [his] staff while strengthening departmental operations and fostering strong partnerships across the institution.”
Additionally, Williams’ leadership coincided with major developments across the health campus, including the opening of the Multispecialty and Research Hospital, expansion into additional healthcare facilities and multiple accreditation assessments.
“Through [his] steadfast leadership, the department has emerged stronger, more unified, and better prepared for the future,” Parks added.
As assistant chief, Williams will oversee the UT San Antonio Police Department’s operations at the health campus, focusing on community safety, enhancing stakeholder partnerships, and supporting the overall integration of the academic and health campuses.
Williams will serve as second in command for the police department at the health campus, reporting to UT San Antonio Chief of Police Stephanie Schoenborn. Expanding her role as chief, Schoenborn will lead both the academic and health campus police departments, formally uniting them as a foundational step of the integration process. Assistant Chief Angelia Lemmonds will continue in her role as second in command for the police department at the academic campus.
“Assistant Chief Williams brings exceptional judgment and professionalism to his role, as well as empathy in leading police operations within one of the most complex environments in higher education,” Schoenborn said. “His ability to balance public safety, health care operations and the well-being of his department members reflect the type of leadership our university and health campuses depend on.”
Williams began his career at UT Health San Antonio in 2006 as a public safety officer before attending and completing the UT System Police Academy in 2007. Throughout his tenure, he has advanced through the ranks, serving in supervisory and command roles since 2012, assuming duties as interim chief of police in 2024 and his current position as assistant chief on March 1, 2026.
Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Public Administration from Tarleton State University. He also completed the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in August 2025, further strengthening his executive leadership training.
