SHSU Earns Gold in Veteran Education Excellence from the Texas Veteran’s Commission for Fifth Consecutive Year

SHSU Earns Gold in Veteran Education Excellence from the Texas Veterans Commission for Fifth Consecutive Year 

In recognition of the university’s continued dedication to supporting student veteran success, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) has awarded Sam Houston State University the gold designation of the Veteran Education Excellence Award (VEERA). 

“This continued recognition distinguishes SHSU as a university that has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the success of veteran and military-connected students,” said Fernando Chavez, director of the Veterans & Military Connected Center at SHSU. “Rather than reflecting a single year of achievement, the fifth consecutive gold award demonstrates the university’s ongoing investment in creating an environment where military-connected students can access meaningful support, engage with the university community and achieve their educational goals.” 

Established by the Texas legislature, TVC’s VEERA recognizes colleges and universities from across the state that demonstrate excellence in education and related services for military-connected students.  

Applications were evaluated using a variety of criteria designed to highlight the institution’s educational and support services for veteran students and their families. This includes the availability 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 

Institutions that received VEERA were formally recognized at the 18th Annual A&M System Military-Affiliated Symposium in Frisco, Texas in early October. Those recognized were celebrated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner for their efforts to support military-connected students. For Shirley Uriostegui and her colleagues in Veterans Benefits Processing at SHSU, the recognition affirms the work they do to support the long-term success of student veterans. 

“The military-affiliated experience is a bit different than the average college student and the educational journey can prove to be more challenging than expected,” Uriostegui said. “By building strong military-affiliated programs, we ensure that students receive accurate support and resources needed not just to be successful in completing their degree, but also in their transition from military to civilian life.”   

For more information on the support services offered to veteran students by SHSU, visit the Veterans & Military Connected Center and Veterans Benefits Processing webpages.