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Governor Greg Abbott has congratulated Texas State University for its continued commitment to veterans.

Abbott honored Texas State and 20 other Texas public institutions of higher education on Oct. 11 as recipients of the 2023 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Established by the Texas Legislature, the 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 and universities across Texas are dedicated to offering exceptional resources and educational support to our brave veterans as they pursue opportunities in higher education,” Abbott said. “I thank these institutions for their ongoing work to provide comprehensive services for student veterans and military-connected students. Texans are forever indebted to our veterans and their families, and we will continue to help support their success so they can thrive here in Texas.”

The veterans commission 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. This was the third consecutive year Texas State was honored with the award’s gold designation.

“We want to recognize these colleges and universities for offering services to Texas veterans and military-connected students to have a successful transition from their military service,” said Laura Koerner, commission chairwoman and Navy veteran. “Texas sets the gold standard for education, and we are grateful to these awardees for providing excellent education and services to veterans.”

TVC evaluated applicants on a variety of criteria that highlight an institution’s education and ancillary services that contribute to the success of veteran students and their families. That includes having a centralized place for students who are veterans to meet or get assistance; a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs work-study program; new student orientation and courses for veterans; a student organization and academic support services for veterans; mental health and disability services; a housing policy that applies to veterans; faculty and staff training on issues affecting students who are veterans; and career services for students who are veterans.