Governor Greg Abbott has recognized 33 public institutions of higher education in Texas 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 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, added: “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 is given at gold, silver, or bronze levels based on how well institutions serve veteran students and their families. Gold-level 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 of Texas A&M University (College Station, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Texarkana), Texas State University, Texas Tech University along with its Health Sciences Center, University of Houston – Clear Lake (first-time winner), University of North Texas, The University of Texas at Arlington and Dallas campuses as well as West Texas A&M University.
Silver awards were presented to San Jacinto College; Stephen F. Austin State University (first-time winner); Tarleton State University (first-time winner); and 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 having a central resource center for veterans on campus; a dedicated staff member serving as a point of contact; participation in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs work-study programs; admissions policies tailored for veterans; orientation programs; student organizations for veterans; academic support services; mental health resources; housing policies applicable to veterans; faculty training on veteran issues; career services; among other factors considered important by TVC.
All public colleges and universities in Texas are eligible to apply for this recognition based on the support they provide to student veterans.
The TVC supports veterans through advocacy efforts aimed at improving quality of life for all Texas veterans. It assists with benefits claims processing, funds agencies offering direct services to veterans across the state—including administration of Hazlewood Act education benefits—and promotes initiatives that help military families succeed after service.
