Recognizing the efforts of institutions in supporting veteran education, Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the achievement of 33 Texas public colleges and universities, which were awarded the 2025 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). As reported by the Governor's office, this accolade is a nod to the exceptional education and services contributing to student veterans' academic accomplishments and those of military-connected students.
"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," Governor Abbott said in a statement obtained by the Governor's office. For their academic success, in an environment that cultivates it, the awarded colleges and universities have put into place various support mechanisms, such as centralized veteran assistance centers and specialized staff training on issues affecting veteran students.
As recounted by the TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner, "Education is key to a veteran’s personal well-being and long-term quality of life." In her remarks, documented by the Governor's office, Koerner extended her congratulations and gratitude to the schools for providing "topnotch higher education opportunities" for veterans and their dependents who have earned it through their service, as mentioned on the Governor's office.
The Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award, categorized into gold, silver, and bronze levels, signifies the comprehensive range of services provided to veteran students and their families. Analyzing criteria ranging from academic support to housing policies for veterans, TVC considers a multitude of factors to determine the institutions that best facilitate veteran students' success. Among the notable recipients, institutions such as El Paso Community College and Lone Star College have been awarded the gold level for the first time, as per the Governor's office release.
All Texas public higher education institutions are invited by the TVC to showcase the support services they provide to this demographic, demonstrating a collective commitment to those who have served. The TVC itself stands as an advocate for Texas veterans, as outlined in their mission statement, working tirelessly to ensure veterans, their families, and survivors obtain deserved benefits and a higher quality of life through initiatives like the Hazlewood Act education benefits.
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