In the Loop
Alum named UTSA police chief and director of public safety
Steve Barrera ’82 was named chief of police and director of public safety for UTSA. Barrera recently retired from his position as deputy chief of service and support division commander for the San Antonio Police Department, where he reported directly to Police Chief William McManus. Barrera succeeds UTSA Police Chief David Hernandez, who resigned in July 2009.
“With over 30 years in law enforcement and many professional affiliations, Steve’s education and experience will serve the university well, as he will be responsible for the leadership, planning, implementation, management and operation of the university police department,” said Kerry Kennedy, vice president for business affairs.
During his career with the San Antonio Police Department, Barrera advanced through the ranks, starting as a patrol officer in 1979. In addition to his executive-level administrative and operations credentials, Barrera also brings experience in major crimes investigations.
Barrera earned a B.A. in criminal justice at UTSA and a master of public administration degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1988. He is a former adjunct professor of criminal justice at UTSA and of public administration at Wayland Baptist University.
—Marianne McBride Lewis