Governor Greg Abbott has recognized 33 Texas public institutions of higher education for receiving the 2025 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). The award, created by the Texas Legislature, honors universities and colleges that deliver strong educational programs and support services contributing to the academic achievements of student veterans and military-connected students.
“Colleges and universities across Texas offer world-class resources and educational support to the brave men and women who served in our nation’s military,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank these institutions for their ongoing efforts to provide wide-ranging services for student veterans and veterans’ children as they pursue opportunities in higher education. Texans are forever indebted to our veterans and their families and will continue to support their success so they can thrive in the greatest state in the greatest country in the history of the world.”
TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner, a Navy veteran, highlighted the importance of education for veterans. “Education is key to a veteran’s personal well-being and long-term quality of life,” she said. “These colleges and universities ensure our veterans and their dependents receive the quality education they have earned in an environment that cultivates their academic success. Congratulations and thank you to these schools for their topnotch higher education opportunities.”
The recognition is awarded at gold, silver, or bronze levels based on each institution’s range of services. This year’s Gold Award recipients include Angelo State University, Austin Community College, Collin County Community College, Dallas College, Del Mar College, El Paso Community College (first-time winner), Lone Star College (first-time winner), Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, Sam Houston State University, San Antonio College, South Texas College, St. Philip’s College, Tarrant County College, several campuses within Texas A&M University System including Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Texarkana and College Station; Texas State University; Texas Tech University; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; University of Houston – Clear Lake (first-time winner); University of North Texas; The University of Texas at Arlington; The University of Texas at Dallas; West Texas A&M University.
Silver Award winners are San Jacinto College; Stephen F. Austin State University (first-time winner); Tarleton State University (first-time winner); The University of Texas at Tyler (first-time winner). Bronze Awards went to Lee College and Texas State Technical College (first-time winner).
Institutions were evaluated on criteria such as centralized assistance centers for veteran students, dedicated staff contacts for veterans, VA work-study programs participation, admissions policies tailored for veterans, new student orientation specifically for veterans, student organizations supporting veteran engagement on campus, academic support tailored for veteran needs, mental health and disability services accessibilities, housing policies inclusive of veterans’ needs, faculty training on issues affecting student veterans as well as career services aimed at this population.
All public colleges and universities in Texas are eligible to apply for this recognition if they provide support services for student veterans or military-connected students.
The TVC works statewide to advocate for veterans’ interests through benefits assistance programs such as those related to the Hazlewood Act educational benefits program. It also funds agencies delivering direct services to veterans while seeking improvements in overall quality of life for all former service members living in Texas.
