GRAPHIC: Andrea Black, Assistant Chief of Police at UHCL, standing next to campus police department signage. In the back, the image is blurred with a light blue overlay. Image courtesy of Andrea Black. — Andrea Black, Assistant Chief of Police at UHCL, standing next to campus police department signage. Image courtesy of Andrea Black.

Q&A: Andrea Black

By Jessica Kunzat Last updated Apr 4, 2022 266 0

Andrea Black, the first woman to serve as Assistant Chief of Police at the UHCL Police Department, is one of the women featured as part of The Signal’s #HawkHerStory coverage, celebrating Women’s History Month. This special coverage focuses on the stories and perspectives of the various women within the UHCL community.

Read The Signal’s Q&A with Black below and see the other Q&As conducted with students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni here.

IMAGE: UHCL Assistant Chief of Police Andrea Black stands next to UHCL campus police department sign in uniform. — Andrea Black, Assistant Chief of Police at UHCL, standing next to campus police department signage. Image courtesy of Andrea Black.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on both a personal and professional/educational level?

I am originally from Massachusetts and moved with my Mom and four siblings to Houston when my Dad accepted a job at NASA in the 1960s. Nineteen years ago, a mutual friend introduced me to the woman I have been married to for nine years and together since we were introduced in our bowling league. I left the geophysical field in the mid-1980s and started my law enforcement career at the University of Texas Medical Center Police Department as a non-commissioned officer. Realizing that law enforcement was the correct path for me, I attended the Houston Police Academy and began a municipal career that spanned more than 28 years. During that time, I served in various positions as a police officer, investigator, and supervisor in the Airport Divisions, Special Investigations Command, and Narcotics Division. I received a proclamation from Scotland Yard and an award from the local 100 Club for my investigative work.

While working full-time, I slowly completed an Associate’s degree from Houston Community College, graduating with Honors and a Bachelor’s degree, graduating Cum Laude from Midwestern State University. I honorably retired from the Houston Police Department in 2013 and, realizing that I still had much to learn and give, returned to law enforcement in campus policing for the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) in 2017. I was promoted to the rank of Captain at UHPD and in August 2021, I was selected as the first female Assistant Chief of Police for the University of Houston-Clear Lake Police Department.

Q: What are some activities you enjoy doing?

I love to travel and have visited more than 30 countries over six continents. I love gardening and sports, especially baseball/softball – our hometown Astros. I enjoy geocaching and try to find at least one cache wherever I go.

Q: What are three things you can’t live without?

Faith, family (including our fur babies), and ice cream.

Q: What advice would you give to other women and young girls?

Be brave. Don’t be afraid to explore different interests and experiences, never stop questioning, and never stop learning. Believe in yourself and don’t be limited by any stereotype that “girls aren’t good at”… whatever. Once established in your career and working at it, it is amazing how opportunities come up to expand your professional life at each step to align with your home life. Make and value time with your family and learn as much as you can from your parents about your and their pasts before you can’t.

Q: Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

I am very happy to be at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. The environment, wildlife, and my coworkers are awesome, the students are engaged, and the campus is beautiful. I am truly blessed and thankful I have this opportunity!