The Texas Veterans Commission’s Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Awards (VEERA) were presented to 10 colleges and universities at the 16th Annual Texas A&M System Military-Affiliated Student Symposium in College Station on Oct. 21, 2024.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities that education has afforded me; and, I am dedicated to ensuring that quality education is a resource for those that serve their country,” said TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner at the awards ceremony.
El award recognizes universities and colleges that provide excellence in education and related services that significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.
Colleges, universities and the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Veterans Education Department work together for veterans education and to increase veteran services on campus. This includes establishing veteran resource centers at institutions and supporting them. Additionally, TVC helps with crafting college orientations specific to veterans and starting veteran student organizations. It further includes creating career and academic counseling services for military affiliated students.
The colleges and universities presented VEERA awards at the October 21 event were:
Texas A&M University – Central Texas
Texas A&M University – College Station
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University – San Antonio
Texas A&M University – Texarkana
Texas State University
Austin Community College
San Jacinto College
Tarrant County College
University of Texas – Arlington
TVC Veterans Education Department serves as the State Approving Authority of veteran education benefits. This includes Federal Benefits such as the G.I. Bill® and being administrator of Texas’ Hazlewood Act. TVC Veteran Education assists schools and students with the VA education system and benefits. Universities, colleges, on-the-job training programs, apprenticeships, and vocational and technical training programs must be approved by the State Approving Agency for veteran education benefits use. Students must also be certified with the VA so they can use their education benefits to pursue post-secondary training.
