DENTON (UNT), Texas – University of North Texas Police Chief Ramona Washington has been honored with the 2023 Bill G. Daniels Award for Outstanding Administrator.

The Texas Association of College and University Police Administrators (TACUPA) presented the award Dec. 6 at its annual conference in College Station. The Award for Outstanding Administrator was established to recognize a chief administrator who has made outstanding contributions with the highest standards in leadership, management and administration.

“I am honored and feel so appreciated to receive this award. It is especially meaningful that this was presented by peers who understand the unique expectations and needs of a college campus,” Chief Washington says. “Their recognition of my work at UNT, a community that I’ve served and loved for the past 21 years, means so much to me. It is truly a pleasure to serve in this role and work with such great folks here at UNT and in our neighboring communities.”

Chief Washington joined the UNT Police Department in 2002, and she has delivered training on implicit bias awareness, sexual assault investigations and more. She helped organize the UNT Police Department’s 30x30 Initiative to increase recruitment and retention of female police professionals. Washington earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from UNT.

Each year, the TACUPA solicits nominations from university presidents for this honor. 

“We are extremely proud of Chief Washington for receiving this prestigious award,” UNT President Neal Smatresk says. “Through hard work, passion, and dedication as Chief of the UNT Police Department, she demonstrates our Shared Values to everyone she serves. She embodies the standards for this award through her integrity, fairness, respect, and accountability. Ramona is an outstanding leader and an incredible member of our Mean Green Family.” 

For media: Interview requests should be made to Devynn Case at devynn.case@unt.edu or 214-708-4558.