Today@Sam Article

SHSU Earns Fourth Straight Gold Award from Texas Veterans Commission

Sept. 9, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

Sam Houston State University's elite commitment to veteran and military-connected students persists through yet another prestigious recognition from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC).

Fernando Chavez (center) poses with Ryan Lang and Roxanne Moss, American Legion Sam Houston Post 95.

Sam Houston State University’s fierce commitment to its veterans and military-affiliated student population stands as a consistent point of pride in the Bearkat community. For the fourth consecutive year, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) honored the university with a gold designation through the Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA).

“This recognition is a reminder of the work we do every day to ensure our military-connected students feel supported, valued and ready for success,” said Fernando Chavez, director of the Veterans & Military Connected Center. “At SHSU, we recognize that veterans bring unique experiences and strengths to the classroom. We also understand the challenges they may face as they transition from military to academic life.”

Through VEERA, TVC strives to recognize academic institutions of higher education committed to supporting the needs of student veterans and other eligible family members. In order to qualify for gold status, an institution had to receive a minimum score of 90% in their evaluation.

Applicants are evaluated on a variety of criteria that highlight the various educational and ancillary services offered by an institution, including the following: 

  • 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 U.S. 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 veterans
  • Mental health and disability services
  • A housing policy that applies to veterans
  • Faculty and staff training on issues impacting students who are veterans
  • Career services for students who are veterans

Sam Houston State will be recognized for the designation at the 2025 Texas A&M University System Military-Affiliated Student Symposium in Fort Worth on Oct. 13.

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