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 colleges and universities that deliver strong educational support and services to 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, also commented on the importance of education for veterans: “Education is key to a veteran’s personal well-being and long-term quality of life. 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 comes at three levels—gold, silver, and bronze—to reflect different levels of service provided to veteran students. Institutions such as Angelo State University, Austin Community College, Collin County Community College, Dallas College, Del Mar College, Lone Star College, Sam Houston State University, several campuses within Texas A&M University System, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, University of North Texas, The University of Texas at Arlington, among others received gold awards. Silver awards went to San Jacinto College, Stephen F. Austin State University*, Tarleton State University*, The University of Texas at Tyler*. Bronze awards were given to Lee College and Texas State Technical College*.
TVC evaluated applicants based on criteria including centralized support locations for veterans on campus; designated staff contacts; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs work-study programs; admissions policies tailored for veterans; orientation programs; veteran student organizations; academic assistance; mental health services; housing policies specific to veterans; faculty training on veteran issues; career services; as well as other factors determined by TVC.
All public colleges and universities in Texas are eligible to apply for this recognition if they offer support services for student veterans or military-connected students.
The TVC provides advocacy for veterans across Texas by assisting with benefits access, funding agencies serving veterans directly, administering Hazlewood Act educational benefits—which help qualifying Veterans pay tuition—and working toward improving overall quality of life for all state veterans.
