The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has been recognized for its dedication to serving military members and their families in their educational pursuits. According to a report by the City of Arlington's official news site, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) awarded UTA the 2024 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA). This award, which places UTA at the gold level, marks the university's fourth consecutive year receiving such an honor.
James Kumm, executive director of Military and Veteran Services at UTA, stated, "We are deeply honored to receive the Gold VEERA award for a fourth consecutive year," as per the city's press release, reflects pride in a consistent commitment to the academic success of UTA's military-connected students. As one of just 24 public colleges and universities chosen for this accolade, UTA has proven to continuously strive to meet and exceed the needs of student veterans through tailored support across various domains.
The TVC assessed UTA on several criteria vitally crucial to its military-connected students' well-being and academic progress. These measures include establishing a centralized veterans assistance center, educational support services, orientation programs for new students, and comprehensive mental health and disability resources. The university's approach is to actively meet the unique requirements of its veteran students, a sentiment that Kumm underscores.
Recognition for UTA's initiatives to support military students and their families is not a new highlight in the university's cap. In 2023, the institution was ranked the top public university on the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list and has been counted among the top 10 Military-Friendly Schools for the last two years. To aptly serve, UTA boasts a sizeable contingent of about 4,200 military-connected students within its academic community. This includes 2,000 veterans, approximately 2,200 children, and spouses of those who have served.
In a show of statewide appreciation for institutions supporting the educational needs of military personnel, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said, "I thank these colleges and universities for their ongoing efforts to provide wide-ranging services for student veterans and veterans' children as they pursue opportunities in higher education." As the city's press release reported, Abbott also mentioned the state's pride in having resources and educational support for the over 1.7 million veterans and service members residing in Texas.
