SAN ANGELO, Texas — On Thursday, 14 institutions of higher learning from around Texas were honored with the first-ever Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Veterans Education Program.
This new award, established by the State of Texas, recognizes universities and colleges that provide excellence in education and related services which significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military connected students.
TVC provides three levels of recognition intended to highlight the depth and breadth of services provided to veteran students and their families. The three award levels are gold, silver and bronze.
Texas Veterans Commission evaluated applicants on a variety of criteria that highlight the various education and ancillary services offered by an institution and which contribute greatly to the overall success of veteran students and their families. Each application is evaluated as to the existence and quality of:
- a centralized place for students who are veterans to meet or find assistance and information
- an institution employee who serves as a central point of contact for students who are veterans
- a United States Department of Veterans Affairs work-study program; admissions and enrollment policies for veterans
- new student orientation and courses for veterans
- a student organization for veterans
- academic support services for students who are veterans
- mental health and disability services
- a housing policy that applies to veterans
- faculty and staff training on issues affecting students who are veterans
- career services for students who are veterans
- any other criteria considered necessary or appropriate by the commission.
All public institutions of higher education in Texas – colleges and universities – were invited to submit application packages for recognition of the support services provided to student veterans and military-connected students.
The award was authorized by the Texas Legislature to promote best practices and recognize institutions of higher education for excellence in providing education and related services to student veterans and military-connected students. TVC launched the Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award during fiscal year 2021.
For more information on the award visit TVC's website.
