Texas A&M University–San Antonio Detective Lieutenant Catrina Nanez-Leal and Staff Sergeant Clint Ratliff have been recognized with the Trilogy Award from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), marking the completion of an elite leadership training program.
FBI-LEEDA provides executive law enforcement and public safety continuing education for public safety leaders in small- to mid-sized agencies across the United States and beyond.
The association’s Trilogy Award is presented to law enforcement leaders who complete a three-part series of professional development institutes: the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), Command Leadership Institute (CLI), and Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). Each week-long course focuses on a different stage of leadership development, from frontline supervision to command-level decision making to executive strategy and vision.
For Ratliff, who joined A&M–San Antonio four years ago, after more than two decades at Trinity University, the program offered practical insights and career-building opportunities.
“The classes really give you a holistic view of leadership,” Ratliff said. “From the frontline supervisor to the executive level, you learn not only how to lead people, but how to understand the challenges department heads and chiefs face. The mix of participants—from line-level supervisors to chiefs—made the learning real and applicable.”
Nanez-Leal, who has served nearly nine years with A&M–San Antonio, said the courses were both rigorous and rewarding.
“The classes are intense—you’re constantly reflecting, applying lessons to your organization, and learning from people across Texas and the country,” she said. “It’s not just about moving up the ranks; it’s about preparing the next generation and making sure our department is stronger in the future.”
Both officers credited A&M–San Antonio Police Chief Roger Stearns for encouraging professional growth.
“One of my priorities is fostering a culture of servant leadership and excellence,” Stearns said. “Investing in professional development not only benefits our officers, it strengthens the department and the community we serve.”
Ratliff says the experience has provided him with new tools and perspectives he can bring back to his role supervising officers on campus, while preparing him for the challenges ahead.
Nanez-Leal hopes to continue advancing her career with a long-term goal of attending the FBI National Academy, one of the nation’s top law enforcement leadership programs. In the meantime, she’s excited about applying her newly acquired skills at A&M-San Antonio and “helping the department improve every day.”