The UTSA Police Department (UTSAPD) made history today as it inducted its first female police chief. Two-time alumna Stephanie Schoenborn ’00, M.P.A. ’17 became the university’s permanent police chief at a swearing-in ceremony this morning in front of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university. Schoenborn has served as interim Chief of Police since April 2021.
“Chief Schoenborn has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her career,” said UTSA Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs Veronica Salazar. “Stephanie has displayed the knowledge and compassion it takes to lead a Tier One university’s public safety team. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to supporting UTSA’s continued growth, innovation and success. I am confident she will provide exceptional leadership to the UTSAPD team.”
Salazar, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy and University of Texas System Director of Police Michael Heidingsfield, spoke at this morning’s ceremony. UTSAPD Lt. Shawn Smith presided as Master of Ceremony, and San Antonio Police Department Chaplain Betsy Buhler gave the invocation and benediction.
As Chief of Police, Schoenborn will focus on expanding the university’s community-police partnerships through a wide range of outreach programs and initiatives focused on improved accountability, accessibility and visibility on campus.
“My goal is to introduce new and exciting strategies that promote safety and a sense of belonging on campus,” said Schoenborn. “I want to ensure we remain focused on mutual respect between officers and the Roadrunner community.”
As part of her dedication to supporting success and innovation, Schoenborn will actively explore opportunities to enhance community involvement, create specialized response units and improve the retention and hiring of officers.
Schoenborn joined the UTSAPD in 1993. She became a police officer in 1995, graduating from the 60th UT System Basic Police Academy. Promoted to captain in June of 2016, she was selected by UT System Police Department to serve for a period in 2018 as interim Assistant Chief of Police at UT Medical Branch in Galveston.
Schoenborn’s commitment to community service extends beyond campus. She holds a Master Peace Officer license and graduated from the 238th session of the FBI National Academy, where she later served on the executive board for nine years, including serving as president of the board in 2019. During that time, Schoenborn was actively involved in coordinating specialized training events in the greater San Antonio region. She currently serves as chairperson for the Alamo Area Council of Governments Regional Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board.
