Governor Greg Abbott has recognized 33 Texas public institutions of higher education as recipients of the 2025 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award, presented by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). The award, created by the Texas Legislature, honors universities and colleges that provide notable educational services supporting 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 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 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award is distributed at gold, silver, and bronze levels. 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 recipient), Lone Star College (first-time recipient), 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 branches of Texas A&M University including Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Texarkana as well as main campus at College Station; Texas State University; Texas Tech University; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; University of Houston – Clear Lake (first-time recipient); University of North Texas; The University of Texas at Arlington; The University of Texas at Dallas; West Texas A&M University.
Silver Awards were given to San Jacinto College; Stephen F. Austin State University (first-time recipient); Tarleton State University (first-time recipient); The University of Texas at Tyler (first-time recipient).
Bronze Awards went to Lee College and Texas State Technical College (first-time recipient).
Applicants were evaluated on criteria such as having a centralized place for veteran students to meet or seek assistance; a designated staff member serving as a contact point for veterans; participation in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs work-study programs; admissions policies tailored for veterans; orientation programs for new veteran students; dedicated student organizations for veterans; academic support services; mental health or disability resources; housing policies applicable to veterans; faculty training on issues affecting student veterans; career services specifically designed for this population.
All public colleges and universities in Texas are eligible to apply each year if they wish recognition for their support services targeting student veterans or military-connected individuals.
The TVC works statewide providing advocacy for veterans’ interests—including assisting with benefits claims—and administers educational benefits under initiatives like the Hazlewood Act while also funding agencies that deliver direct services.
