Debra Abshier Retiring After 22 Years at UAPD

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Debra Abshier

After 22 years at the University of Arkansas Police Department, Debra Abshier will retire on July 31. Abshier served as an administrative assistant and then administrative support supervisor during her tenure at the U of A.

"Debbie has over 20 years of service to our department, and she has garnered several awards during her tenure because of her dedication to the services we provide to the campus community," UAPD Chief Stephen Gahagans said.

One of Abshier's primary responsibilities at UAPD was to coordinate with outside agencies who provide supplemental enforcement for big events like graduation and game days. She has been lauded for her stellar organizational skills and exceptional problem-solving abilities, essential for her role.

"Working in a law enforcement department, there is a degree of high confidentiality due to volumes of information that passes through, and one of the highest attributes that Debbie possessed was her ability to handle confidential information with the utmost professionalism and integrity," Gahagans said. "Debbie was also always accessible to all employees regarding questions on processes or just to sit and listen about a variety of topics."

She has been awarded the department's "Civilian of the Year" title three times over her career, which is given to UAPD's most deserving employee not in law enforcement.

"We are deeply grateful for the dedication, passion, and expertise Debbie has brought to UAPD," Lieutenant Michael Oakes said. "It has been an honor to have her as part of our dedicated and dynamic team."

Over her 2+ decades at the U of A, Abshier has seen a tremendous amount of growth in Fayetteville and on campus. The student population at the start of her employment was just over 16,000 - now, there are almost 31,000 Razorbacks on campus, nearly doubling in size since Abshier's start at the university.

Abshier even noted that when she started, the area that is now the Razorback Gardens housed an apartment complex.

What's Next?

Abshier said she is most excited to spend time with her family in retirement.

"Retirements are sometimes bittersweet," Gahagans said. "On one hand, you lose an employee who has been like family over the years, but you're also very happy to see them reach the milestone of retirement, where our hopes are that she can relax and enjoy the next chapter."

There will be a celebration of Abshier's time at the U of A from 2-4 p.m. Monday, July 29, at the UAPD offices in the Administrative Services Building. Chief Gahagans will present her with an honorary plaque, and fellow UAPD employees will provide words of gratitude and well-wishes.