University of Texas Arlington

ARLINGTON - The University of Texas at Arlington joins the larger Arlington community in expressing our deep sympathy in the loss of Arlington police officer and UT Arlington alumna Jillian Michelle Smith, who was killed this week in the line of duty.

Arlington Officer Jillian Smith

University flags have been lowered in recognition of Officer Smith’s life and service.

“We are honored to have counted Officer Smith as a part of our University family,” UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo said. “Officer Smith typifies the kind of student who best represents UT Arlington. She identified her goals, worked hard to achieve them and dedicated herself to serving others.”

Officer Smith graduated cum laude from UT Arlington in August 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology and criminal justice and a minor in sociology. She enrolled in the University in fall 2008 after transferring from Tarrant County College.

UT Arlington faculty who taught Officer Smith recall her as a strong student with a bright smile who was determined to pursue her career goal of becoming a police officer in her hometown of Arlington.

“She was the kind of student every professor loves to have – smart, hard-working, involved – and she knew exactly what she wanted in life,” recalled Randall R. Butler, visiting professor of criminology and criminal justice.

Alejandro del Carmen, chair of the UT Arlington Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, said faculty plan to organize a scholarship in Smith’s honor.

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The University of Texas at Arlington is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.