By University Communications
Monday, 10 23 2023

The 2023 VEER Gold Award is presented by the Texas Veterans Commission

SAN ANTONIO — President Salvador Hector Ochoa accepted the Veteran Education Excellence Recognition (VEER) Gold Award at the 15th Annual Texas A&M University System Military-Affiliated Student Symposium. The award was presented by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) marking the third year the University has received the recognition.

“We are honored to receive the gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award for supporting student veterans and military-connected students,” said President Salvador Hector Ochoa, “As a proud military-embracing University, our commitment to ensuring the success of military-affiliated students is one of our core values."   

A&M-San Antonio was one of only 12 Texas Universities to receive the 2023 Gold award.

Among a list of award criteria is “a centralized place for student veterans to meet or find assistance and information.” The Patriots’ Casa at A&M-San Antonio is a gathering space for connection, guidance and ongoing support. The 20,000-square-foot Patriots' Casa serves our active military, student veterans and military-affiliated population, offering academic support, financial aid and transition into the civilian workforce.

Applicant institutions for the VEER award must demonstrate how they meet the following criteria:

• Centralized place for student veterans to meet or find assistance and information
• Institution employee who serves as a central point of contact for student veterans
• A U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Work-Study Program location
• Admissions and enrollment policies, new student orientation and courses for veterans
• Student organization for veterans
• Academic support services for student veterans
• Mental health and disability services
• Housing policy that applies to veterans
• Faculty/staff training on student veteran issues
• Career services
• Additional criteria as deemed appropriate by TVC

For more information on educational opportunities for military-affiliated students, call the Office of Military Affiars at 210-784-1397.

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, the University offers 39 undergraduate degrees and 23 graduate degrees to about 7,620 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of 39 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 77 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and approximately 72 percent are the first in their families to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; the University was recently awarded the 2023 Gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) from the Texas Veterans Commission. Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission