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Texas A&M receives sixth Veteran Education Excellence Award

Texas A&M University was named a Gold Recipient of the 2026 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award for its support services for over 1,600 veteran and military students.

Reese Fenn

October 16, 20262 min read

Veteran education excellence - illustration, Jake Team LLC

Texas A&M University has been designated a Gold Recipient of the 2026 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA). The university received this honor from Texas Veterans Commission Executive Director Tom Palladino and Commission Secretary Charles Wright. This marks the sixth time the institution has earned this specific recognition.

The award acknowledges colleges and universities in Texas that provide excellence in education and services to student veterans. At the core of support at Texas A&M is the Don and Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource and Support Center (VRSC). The center serves more than 1,600 veteran and military students across the main College Station campus and 12 branch campuses and sites.

During the 2025-26 academic year, the VRSC administered $685,298 in scholarships, financial aid, and childcare assistance. The center also provides career advising, peer leadership opportunities, and academic support. Integrated into this network are mental health and well-being initiatives designed to build community and contribute to student success.

To meet evolving student needs, the VRSC modernized its facilities and services based on feedback from the veteran and military community. In fall 2026, a dedicated study space was opened for these students. The center also established a priority borrowing system for digital course materials in collaboration with Texas A&M University Libraries.

On- and off-campus partners of the VRSC include Military Admissions, Aggie One Stop, University Health Services, Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Brazos County Veteran Services Office, and the Texas A&M Foundation.

VRSC Director Lt. Col. John Fleming ’94, USMC (Ret.), stated, "Texas A&M University takes pride in our students who have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces." He noted that veterans and those currently serving embody selfless service and that it is the center's honor to support them through their higher education journey.

Established in 2021, VEERA is administered by the Texas Veterans Commission. Institutions are designated at the Gold, Silver, or Bronze level based on criteria such as offering student organizations, academic support, mental health services, and housing policies for veterans.

Source: Texas A&M University.

Sources

today.tamu.edu

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Reese Fenn

Reese Fenn writes about community life, schools, public safety, and local events in College Station.

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