Michael Parks
Executive Director
A 30-year veteran of policing, Michael J. Parks became the Executive Director of the UT System Office of the Director of Police in October 2024. Prior to that role, he served 14 years as Chief of Police at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He previously acted as Director of Public Safety at Minnesota State University-Moorhead from 2007 to August 2010. Executive Director Parks was also the Director of Law Enforcement at Minnesota West Community College in Worthington for over 4 years. During this time, he served as the faculty president for two different universities and was an active member in numerous state education system initiatives. Before that tenured faculty position with Minnesota West, he worked for over a decade as a narcotics officer for the Dakota County Drug Task Force in the Minneapolis area and as a patrol officer with the Lakeville, Minnesota, Police Department.
Executive Director Parks holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Metropolitan State University and a master’s degree in leadership from Concordia University. Executive Director Parks is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, a nationally recognized command college through the Police Executive Research Forum in Boston, the FBI Leadership Command College, and the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety Senior Management Leadership program. He is actively involved with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), serving on the national accreditation board and as a IACLEA Peer Review Program member.
Executive Director Parks has received numerous awards for his inclusive style of leadership and student advocacy, including Chief of Police, Distinguished Command (2018), and the Hurricane Harvey Response and Humanitarian Relief Award (2017) from former University of Texas System Police Director Michael Heidingsfield. In 2015, he was recognized with the first-ever student advocate award for his tireless work with the student government. He was named Chief of the Year by the University of Texas System Police in 2014. The department was also recognized as Department of the Year in 2013 due to Executive Director Parks' transformational leadership initiatives. He was awarded the prestigious National Public Safety Director of the Year Award in 2010 by Campus Safety Magazine for his leadership during the historic 2009 floods in the Red River Valley in Fargo. He earned both national recognition and state recognition as a recipient of the Medal of Honor for Bravery by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association in 1999 for saving a fellow police officer from death.
David Ferrero
Assistant Director
Since joining the UT System ODOP family in 2008, David has held the position of Inspector, Inspector II and Assistant Director ad interim. This has allowed him to enjoy the joint responsibility for Basic Peace Officer and In-Service Academy training, conducting staff management inspections at the fifteen UT System institutions, coordinating criminal/administrative complaint investigations, performing executive protection duties for Board of Regents and other dignitaries and recommending best practice policy/procedure for System employees in areas including use of force, firearms, wellness/fitness. He is grateful to have shared knowledge and experiences through instructing law enforcement officers for over thirty years on a municipal, county and state level.
A native of San Antonio, David graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. From 1978 to 1984, he served with the Texas City and League City Police Departments as a Patrol Officer, Detective and Sergeant. David instructed in area law enforcement academies and was recognized for excellence in presentations before the Grand Jury.
In 1984, David began employment with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He held positions of Agent, Senior Agent Training Division, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief of Enforcement ad interim. His tenure included upper/senior management positions both at the Staff and Field level. Upon retirement in 2007, successes include development and implementation of both in house and outreach resources focusing on public safety with underage drinking and intoxication concerns, appearance and testimony in a variety of venues including Senate/House Committees and criminal/civil procedures, as a guest on national syndicated “The Sally Show” to explain underage-drinking initiative, and expert witness for the Commission in use of force trial.
David is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College Class #50, holds a TCLEOSE Master Peace Officer Certification, recognized in the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame, member First United Methodist Church Round Rock, Eagle Scout, and active in Boy Scout Troop 157. David is married to Leesa and both are proud parents of four children.
Kenneth Baptiste
Senior Inspector, Academy Commander
Senior Inspector Kenneth Baptiste has proudly served with the University of Texas System Police for over 25 years. He began his career at UT Houston Police Department in 1992. At UT Houston PD he was a strong supporter of community-based policing and was assigned as the UT Houston PD liaison Officer to the McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston. In addition, as a Crime Prevention specialist, he had the privilege of working in the Universities diverse community, with a devotion to understanding the unique needs of the community.
In 1998, he moved to Franklin, Tennessee, serving with the Franklin Police Department in the Patrol Division.
In 2001, he relocated to Dallas, Texas, and served with the UT Southwestern Medical Center Police Department from 2001 to 2016. He held the rank of Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Patrol Division. Kenneth also served as the UT Southwestern Medical Center PD Hospitals liaison Sergeant to Clements and Zale Lipshy University Hospitals. He also served as the Commander of the Dignitary Protection Team responsible for planning and managing security operations for dignitaries and special events.
In 2016, Kenneth moved to Austin, Texas, and accepted the position of Inspector II with the University of Texas System Police, Office of the Director of Police. During his tenure, he has demonstrated a commitment to innovative in-service and cadet instruction and training. Kenneth created and developed the UT System Police Advancer Officer Training Program designed to enhance officer’s skills and knowledge. In 2023, he was promoted to Senior Inspector and Police Academy Commander. He currently leads the Academy team and oversees the operations and training. In addition, he was appointed as the UT System Police Training Coordinator in 2023. Commander Baptiste is responsible for ensuring all UT System Police and Telecommunicators licensees are in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Academy Commander Baptiste earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington. Kenneth also earned his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas.
Prior to becoming a police officer, Academy Commander Baptiste received an honorable discharge after serving five years of active duty in the United States Air Force. Kenneth also retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E9) from the Texas Air National Guard in December 2022 with a combined 33 years of total military service. He has been the recipient of numerous military and department commendations and awards.
David Chambers
Police Inspector II
David Chambers joined ODOP as the Training Coordinator in September 2024 with the 107th BPOC Class. Previously, he served as a Sergeant at UT Austin, where he managed the first university-based mental health co-response program, peer support initiatives, district representatives, and the Threat Mitigation Unit. During his tenure at UT Austin, David was integral to the Community Engagement Division and the Investigation and Mitigation Unit, focusing on threat mitigation and crisis response. He has instructed the Crisis Intervention Techniques curriculum for the Academy, UT Austin, and various surrounding agencies. Additionally, David has taught the Mental Health Officer course for the Texas DPS Trooper – Capitol Division and UT Austin.
Before joining UTPD, David had a distinguished career in public safety and higher education. He worked as a firefighter and hazardous materials technician for the City of Philadelphia and served as a hazardous materials technician for the U.S. Capitol Police Department in Washington, DC. David has also held positions in Student Affairs at several colleges, including Albion College, the University of Pennsylvania, and UT Austin.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Millsaps College, a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate degree in Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention from Walden University.
Michael Funke
Police Inspector II
Inspector Michael Funke has had a distinguished career in law enforcement, marked by extensive training and expertise in various areas. He began his journey in 2001 in Powell, Wyoming, following his service in the United States Marine Corps. His tenure in Wyoming saw him take on roles as a field training officer and a defensive tactics instructor.
In 2011, Michael transitioned to the University of Texas System Police, specifically working with UT Health San Antonio. During his time there, he continued to excel, taking on multiple responsibilities such as field training officer, department training officer, and instructor roles for baton, taser, and defensive tactics.
In 2015 Michael completed the 40-hour Force Science Analyst course. In 2016 Michael was accepted into the Force Science Advanced Specialist program, after graduating the 500+ hour school, Michael became the 2nd police officer in the state of Texas to ever do so.
Michael was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2021, where he served as the night shift patrol supervisor. In April 2024, Funke joined the Office of the Director of Police (ODOP) as an Inspector II.
Michael holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and criminology from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he graduated with academic honors.
Chad Garton
Police Inspector II
Chad Garton started his law enforcement career in 2008 working for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in San Jose, CA. Garton attended the Santa Clara County Justice Training Center in Morgan Hill, CA, graduating first in his agency from the Academy, and attaining the “TOP GUN” marksmanship award for highest overall marksman scores.
Garton was first assigned to Court Security from July 2008 to August 2009, and then completed Patrol FTO in December 2009. From January 2010 until September 2010, Garton was again assigned to Court Security where he was the shift leader for Holding Cell #3 underneath the courthouse.
From September 2010 to December 2011, Garton was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn in Iraq (US Army) as a Battalion Intelligence Officer. During his time in Iraq, Garton was tasked with Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Force Protection missions. Garton was awarded a Combat Action Badge for being engaged by hostile enemy fire in the course of his duties. Garton and his team created, disseminated, and briefed more than 600 intelligence reports that were viewed by hundreds of Soldiers and Civilians theater wide.
From January 2011-July 2017 Garton was assigned as a Patrol Deputy to the West Valley Patrol Division and was assigned as a School Resource Officer for all Saratoga (City and Private) Schools from January 2015 until July 2017. During his assignment at West Valley Patrol Division, Garton had several collateral duties including Crowd Control Team Member (October 2008-March 2014), POST Certified Firearms Instructor (May 2014 to July 2017), and Tactical Flight Observer (Helicopter) Crewmember from July 2013 to July 2017. While assigned to the Patrol Division at West Valley, Garton was awarded the American Legion Award for Valor for rescuing two individuals from a vehicle accident where both vehicles were on fire in 2014.
As a School Resource Officer, Garton designed, planned and implemented Crime Prevention and Emergency Response training and education classes. Garton acted as the lead point of contact for all criminal and Emergency Response matters for schools located in Saratoga, CA. Garton investigated crimes and conducted law enforcement services for 6 School districts, 10 schools, and over 6,000 students, faculty, staff and parents. Garton trained more than 20 different topics to over 30,000 individuals in presentations and events. Garton was awarded Public Safety Officer of the Year 2017, a US Congressional Commendation and a County of Santa Clara Commendation for his work with the community.
From July 2017 to March 2018, Garton worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety in the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division/ Texas Joint Crime Information Center as a Crime Analyst. As a Crime Analyst Garton performed highly complex (senior-level) research/analytical work to collect, process, and disseminate a wide variety of data and information. Garton conducted assessments of criminal activity, as well as assessments of threats and vulnerabilities to the state's critical infrastructure. Garton supported state counterterrorism initiatives by conducting research and providing analytical assessments related to threats from domestic and international groups. Garton analyzed intelligence information on organized crime, gambling, and related criminal activities.
From March 2018 until February 2023, Garton worked for The University of Texas at Austin Police Department. Garton was assigned as a Patrol Officer, Training Officer, and Intelligence Detective. Garton was promoted to Sergeant in March of 2020 and was assigned as a Patrol Supervisor working midnights and day shift until June 2022. Garton was then assigned as the Intelligence and Dignitary Protection Detective Sergeant where he managed and supervised Detectives working a variety of intelligence related investigations and Federal Counterterrorism Task Force investigations. Garton provided and coordinated protection details for Federal and State Senators, Congressmen, cabinet level dignitaries and military dignitaries.
Garton has over 400 hours of terrorism specific trainings from being AT/FP (Anti-terrorism/Force Protection) certified officer for the US Army, to attending advanced level classes in Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Radiological (CBRN) dispersion and awareness courses. Garton has focused his knowledge on learning High Value Target (HVT), Critical Infrastructure (CI) and Transit related terrorism.
Garton has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Military Science from California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo and spends his time reading Counter/Anti-terrorism and Intelligence blogs.
Geoffrey Merritt
Deputy Academy Commander
Geoffrey Merritt has been in law enforcement since 1997. He has served on three different college campuses ranging from small private institutions to large public universities. He has served as a patrol officer, field training supervisor, patrol supervisor, department recruiter and crime prevention unit supervisor. He has presented at state and regional conferences for Texans Standing Tall and the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission’s College Alcohol Symposium on alcohol enforcement issues. He also presented at the 12th annual U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP) Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Leadership National Conference. Inspector Merritt has presented nationally on webinars for Campus Outreach Services on the topic of sexual assault. He is an Advanced Instructor for the Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigator’s Course (SAFVIC) that teaches police officers to effectively investigate sexual assault and family violence cases. He was selected by the cadets of the 92nd University of Texas System Police Academy as the Instructor of the Year in 2011. Geoffrey Merritt has a Bachelor of Science degree and has a master peace officer license from the State of Texas. He is a certified TCLEOSE police instructor and basic Hostage Negotiator. Geoffrey Merritt is a member of the Texas Municipal Police Association and the Texas CrimeDe Prevention Association. He became a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist in 2010.
Paul Shepherd
Senior Police Inspector II
Inspector Shepherd retired as a 30-year law enforcement professional from the Odessa Police Department in September of 2010. He was the supervisor of the Criminal Intelligence Unit after completing a 10 year assignment as supervisor of the Homicide Unit and the Crimes Against Persons Unit. He has served in the numerous capacities within the department including, Patrol Services, Community Relations, Training Division, Crimes Against Property, Crimes Against Persons Unit (homicide) and was also a Sergeant with the Internal Affairs Unit. He has over 23 years of intense investigative experience in violent crimes. He holds a “Masters Peace Officer” certification as well as an “Instructor’s” with TCLEOSE.
He has approximately 25 years experience in crisis negotiations and responsible for the development, training, and implementation of a multi-agency negotiation response team at his former agency. He is a 2007 graduate of the FBI’s “National Hostage Negotiation Course,” in Quantico, Virginia as well as a 2008 graduate from the Metropolitan Police “National Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Course” in Hendon, England. In each of these, he served as a mentor and student. He has trained over 400 state, local, and federal officers in crisis negotiations and was utilized to train US military personnel in Hostage Negotiations and Hostage Survival, prior to their deployment to Iraq.
In 2010, he received recognition from Director Robert Mueller, III for his negotiation efforts in face to face negotiations with prisoners and obtaining the safe release of two hostages during the Pecos Prison Riots of December 2008. In September of 2010, Inspector Shepherd was invited by the “Black Swan Group” to participate in training the first Crisis Negotiation team from the United Arab Emirates.
In November of 2010, Inspector Shepherd was presented with a “Lifetime Membership Award” from the “Texas Association of Hostage Negotiator’s” and in February of 2011, Inspector Shepherd was presented with an appointment as an “Honorary Texas Ranger,” to Company “E” of El Paso by Texas Ranger Captain Brooks Long.
Rey Treviño
Senior Police Inspector II
Senior Police Inspector II Treviño started his commitment to public service by enlisting in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman. His objectives included capturing and deterring enemy forces, reconnaissance, and deploying on numerous combat missions as the U.S. Army premier ground combat force. He was first assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Germany and subsequently deployed to Macedonia as part of a United Nations (UN) Peace Keeping Mission. While in Macedonia, he was the Infantry Platoon Rifleman and served on the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) during military operations.
He was next assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of a NATO Peace Keeping Mission. His Platoon was responsible for capturing and detaining several Bosnia Rebels along with their weapons and munitions. His unit also enforced riot control procedures when confronted with an unruly mob after weapons were seized from a Bosnian Muslim cantonment site in the town of Celic. Upon successful completion of his military enlistment, Senior Inspector Treviño returned to South Texas and joined the UT Brownsville Police Department.
While attending the UT System Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) in 2001 the tragic events of September 11, 2001, occurred. In response to this act of terrorism, his U.S. Army Reserve Unit was activated for Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon completing the BPOC, he received military orders to report to the 528th Special Operations Support Command Unit in Fort Bragg, NC. Shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq, he conducted security operations for Special Operation Units. In September 2003, he successfully completed his deployment and returned to the UT Brownsville PD. Senior Inspector Treviño was the first UT System employee and UTSP Police Officer to be activated for both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While at UT Brownsville PD, he held the rank of Operations Commander and was the Acting Assistant Chief of Police.
Senior Inspector Treviño received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and holds a Master's Degree in Educational Technology. He is a Master Peace Officer and holds several Instructor Certifications. These include an Advanced Instructor Certification, TCLEOSE Firearms Instructor, and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Reactive Shooting Instructor. He has also attended various advanced Military and Law Enforcement training courses throughout his career, which include the US Army Combat LifeSaver Course, SWAT Operator Course, and the DPS Ranger Division Advanced Special Response Team Operator Course. He also completed the Precision/Sniper Rifle Operator course- where he received the title of Top Shooter.
He a 2011 founding member of UT System Rapid Response Team (SRRT) and has served in several capacities to include the first Designated Marksman/ Police Sniper and UTRGV SRRT Team Leader. He currently serves as the SRRT Assistant Commander overseeing strategic planning, operations, and tactical technology. While on SRRT, he has deployed on several occasions in support of UT System Police Tactical Operations around the State.
In 2016, he accepted the position of Police Academy Commander for UT System Police and joined the Office of the Director of Police. During his tenure as Police Academy Commander, each Basic Peace Officer Course under his command successfully passed the state licensing exam with a 100% passing rate. With the 105th BPOC graduating class, Commander Treviño commemorated the 20th consecutive class of UT System Police Cadets to have maintained a 100% pass rate on the state licensing exam – a notable milestone for UT System and UTSP Police.
While serving as Police Academy Commander, he oversaw the creation and implementation of the Advanced Officer Course (AOT) and the Armed Rapid Response Emergency Scenario Training (ARREST). He also led the effort to successfully pass several Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Comprehensive Academy Program Evaluations and Academy Training Provider Renewal Contract for the UT System Training Academy. Commander Treviño also served as the UTSP Rangemaster and wrote the police policy to integrate the pistol miniature red-dot sighting system- recognizing UT System Police as the First State Law Enforcement Agency to adopt this technology.
In 2023, Senior Inspector Treviño was promoted to create and lead a new division at the Office of the Director of Police- Futures Programming. Future Programming is a comprehensive approach aimed at preparing and equipping UTSP with Law Enforcement relevant technologies. This entails researching, testing, and integrating new Law Enforcement specific software, hardware, and tactics- to include public safety drones, learning management systems, and record management systems. As the Future Programming Division Manager, Senior Inspector Treviño is also tasked with leading the creation, design, and development of a new UT System Police Training Academy, while seeking CALEA Accreditation for the current UTSP Training Academy.
Senior Police Inspector II Treviño enjoys spending Family Time with his wife Annabel and their 2 kids. His hobbies include building Legos with the kids, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.
Administrative Staff
Maritza Ramirez
Chief of Staff
Maritza Ramirez joins the Office of the Director of Police as Chief of Staff with over fifteen years of experience in human resources and organizational leadership. She began her career as a Workforce Analyst at the University of Texas in Austin, where she honed her analytical skills tracking and reporting on employee metrics. She joined the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2013 in a Human Resources Generalist role, acting as a trusted business partner to develop and execute human resource strategies focused on talent management, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and employee engagement. Maritza transitioned to the university police department in 2018, serving as Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police. As Executive Assistant, Maritza provided strategic support to police leadership and worked to align departmental initiatives with the university’s mission by coordinating short-term and long-range projects. Throughout her career, Maritza has consistently focused on fostering collaboration, streamlining operations, and contributing to the growth of the organizations she has served.
Maritza holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
Leslie Garza
Administrative Associate
Leslie began her employment with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017 as an administrative assistant working with both the Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound Lyford and Raymondville TRiO programs, serving the Willacy County area. She served her programs in many capacities in order to guarantee the success of those she served, as the target population was first generation, low-income students. Furthering the extension of her support, she was elected as Treasurer for the Texas TRiO Association. The Texas TRiO Association is the representative body for TRIO professionals from colleges, universities and agencies that host federally funded TRIO educational opportunity programs in the state of Texas. TX-TRIO is dedicated to advocating for the TRIO movement by creating opportunities for TRIO professionals and participants with professional development and support.
Originally from McAllen, Tx, Leslie relocated to Dripping Springs in January 2023 when she accepted the position of Administrative Associate with the University of Texas System – Office of the Director of Police. Her role will provide administrative support in the daily operations and functions of ODOP and the UT System Police Academy. She will assist with the planning processes of the Academy including, but not limited to, planning processes for in-service training courses and events, serving as a coordinator and a liaison for federal Department of Veterans Affairs programming, coordination and execution of the Police Academy graduation, inventory management, and manage communication with external stakeholders.
Leslie loves spending time with her family, travelling, golfing, and watching shows such as The Office and True Crime documentaries
Lisa Hayes
Sr. Accounting Associate
Lisa Hayes, fondly known as an “Administrative Warrior Princess,” specializes in Accounting and State Purchasing. She began her career at the UT System in 2013 with Accounting and Purchasing Services in the Controller’s Office. After six years, she transitioned to Facilities Management, where she served as the building accountant and unofficial liaison between Accounting Services, Real Estate, and Facilities.
Lisa then joined the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at UT Austin, where she supported her team in engaging K-12 and collegiate students statewide in participation and understanding the importance of civic life and community leadership. A highlight of her tenure was meeting and supporting three cohorts of Texas Civic Ambassadors (college students from across Texas) who participated in a year-long program. They planned and executed civic leadership projects and events in their home communities, such as the Houston Youth Voters Conference and the State of the Rio Grande Valley Conference, where local and state leaders addressed the student body and answered questions about current legislation impacting their communities.
In 2022, Lisa “came back home” to UT System, serving as IT Purchasing and HR Liaison for the Office of the Chief Information Office. She has now returned to her lifelong passion for accounting and Microsoft Excel with the Office of the Director of Police as their Senior Accounting Associate.
Lisa is a self-proclaimed “big ol’ nerd.” Her wide-ranging passions include a love for reading that keeps her up late at night, strategic board games, PC gaming (with 7 Days to Die and Stardew Valley being her favorites), and role-playing tabletop gaming. She also enjoys making candles, baking her feelings, and cooking for her family, coworkers, friends, and just about everyone she meets.
