Houston, Texas – The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) announces that it has received a gold honor from the Texas Veterans Commission for the Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA). The Texas State Legislature established the VEERA program to recognize public colleges and universities for their excellence in providing education and related services to veterans and the military-connected community (Tex. Govt. Code § 434.252).
The Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award is given at gold, silver, and bronze levels to showcase the range and quality of services for veteran students and their families. This year, 33 Texas public higher education institutions received this award. This is the first year that the University of Houston-Clear Lake has been recognized.
“Earning the VEERA Award reflects our commitment to student success and well-being at UHCL,” said Dr. Tina Powellson, Vice President of Student Affairs. “We recognize that military-connected students bring strengths and face distinct challenges, and we are intentional in providing the resources and support they need to achieve. This honor reaffirms our mission to create a student-centered environment where every student can obtain their personal, academic, and professional goals."
UHCL’s Capt. Wendell M. Wilson Veteran and Military Resource Center, part of the Division of Student Affairs, provides a personalized and comprehensive support system for students with military affiliations. The office aims to foster a welcoming environment tailored to the unique needs of veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families.
Luis Polanco De Leon, Director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center, shared his thoughts on the award.
"We are deeply honored to receive the Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award, which reflects the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s unwavering commitment to our military-connected students. This recognition affirms the hard work of our team and the value of the resources and support we provide to ensure student veterans, service members, and their families can thrive both academically and personally. At UHCL, we are dedicated to building a community where all military-connected students feel empowered, supported, and celebrated."
The university will be presented with the VEERA award this fall or early spring at a Texas Veterans Commission event. The complete list of award winners can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-salutes-winners-of-texas-veterans-commissions-veteran-education-excellence-award. To learn more information about UHCL’s Veteran and Military Resource Center, visit https://www.uhcl.edu/vmrc/.