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My name is Mary E. Lowery, and though I was born in Washington State, I consider myself a transplanted Texan. My father served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years, and with several of my extended family either in the military or law enforcement, serving the public has always been a part of my upbringing. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in French. I furthered my studies at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where I earned a master’s in forensic psychology. Though I did not know what my career field would be initially after graduating, I believe my stint at The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), which included helping others, being attentive to details, and following ethical processes and procedures sealed my decision to join law enforcement.
In March of 2022, I began working at the UTPB Police Department as the department’s Evidence Technician. Soon after hiring me, Chief Tom Hain and Assistant Chief Matthew Muehlbrad offered me the opportunity to attend the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy (PBLEA) in Midland, TX, and I completed the academy in December of 2022. I am excited to still serve as the Evidence Technician, and now, as a Police Officer.
Currently, I am finishing my Field Officer Training so that I can expand my service role to include acting in a support capacity for Patrol Services. I look forward to having a long career in law enforcement and will always be grateful to Chief Hain and Assistant Chief Muehlbrad for giving me the opportunity to join the PD family.
Recently, I was asked to assist students who are experiencing life crisis events. It has been an honor to provide students with the adequate resources needed so that they can focus on getting better and becoming whole again. I believe that when we make the time to collaborate with student affairs, academic affairs, and counseling services, we can positively impact student lives so that students understand that hope is within reach. It is my philosophy that it truly takes a village to help students have a successful and transformative university experience, and I consider it an honor to be a part of their journey. I would like to take a moment to give a heartfelt thank you to AVP Corey Benson for nominating me for a 2023 Student Affairs Award. I am humbled and deeply honored for being this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Student Advocate Award.
I look forward to learning more about becoming a certified Mental Health Peace Officer and a Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigator. My ultimate dream job is to work at a federal and/or international law enforcement agency such as the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, or Interpol. Until that happens, I am content to work with my fellow colleagues to ensure that the UTPB Campus remains a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.
In closing, I would be remiss not to honor the guidance received from my past and present mentors who have helped me become who I am today and helped me realize a childhood dream of working in law enforcement. I will always be grateful to my father, CMSGT Arthur Lowery, U.S. Air Force (Ret.); my mother, Ms. Doris Lowery; my sister, UTPB Chief Compliance Officer, Dr. Tanya Lowery; UT System Director of Police, Michael Heidingsfield; UTPB President, Dr. Sandra Woodley; UTPB Title IX Coordinator, Narita K. Holmes; Chiefs Hain and Muehlbrad; Inspector Angel Lemmonds; Sergeant Travis Fraser and Officer Donnie Shuck; and a host of family and friends for their help, encouragement, and support. I look forward to learning more about law enforcement and serving the public. Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little more about me.
