The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has been awarded the 2025 gold Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) by the Texas Veterans Commission. This award is the highest level given by the commission and acknowledges UTEP’s efforts to support military-connected students.
David Salgado, director of education for the Texas Veterans Commission, visited UTEP in late January to present the award to University President Heather Wilson. The recognition highlights the work of UTEP’s Military Student Success Center (MSSC) and its approach to serving veterans and their families.
“Like the community we serve, UTEP is a veteran friendly campus,” said Wilson. “This award recognizes that our team at the Military Student Success Center has taken us to a new level of service to veterans that is now best in class.”
The VEERA program was created by the Texas State Legislature to honor public colleges and universities for excellence in providing education and services for veterans and military-connected individuals. Out of 226 colleges and universities across Texas, UTEP was one of 33 institutions selected for this year’s award, which is given at gold, silver, and bronze levels.
Applicants for VEERA were evaluated on several criteria including having a centralized veterans’ resource center, designated staff contacts for veteran students, VA work-study programs, veteran-specific orientation and courses, academic and mental health support services, housing policies, faculty and staff training related to veterans’ needs, as well as career services designed specifically for veterans.
UTEP’s Military Student Success Center serves as a main resource hub for military-affiliated students. Led by director Ryan Jackson, it helps students navigate VA benefits, find support services on campus or in the community, access financial aid options tailored to them, and connect with peer networks.
“We are proud to serve our veteran and military-connected students every day,” said Jackson. “Our goal is to remove barriers and ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
Jackson served 24 years in the Army before retiring. President Wilson also has an extensive military background with 11 years on active duty in the Air Force; she is married to a retired Air Force officer.
More information about UTEP’s Military Student Success Center can be found on its website at utep.edu/student-affairs/mssc.
