UTEP Awarded Gold for Veterans Education Excellence
EL PASO, Texas (Feb. 17, 2026) – The University of Texas at El Paso has received the 2025 gold Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA), the highest designation given by the Texas Veterans Commission. The accolade recognizes UTEP as a veteran-inclusive institution that excels in supporting military-connected students.
David Salgado, director of education for the Texas Veterans Commission, visited the UTEP campus in late January to present the award to University President Heather Wilson. The award honors the work of UTEP’s Military Student Success Center (MSSC) and the University’s comprehensive 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 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. UTEP was among 33 institutions selected from 226 colleges and universities across Texas to receive the 2025 award, which is awarded at gold, silver and bronze levels.
The Texas Veterans Commission assessed applicants for the VEERA on a wide range of criteria, including the presence and quality of 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, and career services tailored to veterans.
UTEP’s Military Student Success Center is at the heart of the University’s veteran support services. Led by director Ryan Jackson, the center serves as a comprehensive resource hub, helping military-affiliated and veteran students navigate VA benefits, locate veteran support services, access financial aid and connect with peer support.
"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.”
Like many UTEP faculty and staff, Jackson is a veteran of the Army and retired after 24 years in uniform. Wilson served on active duty in the Air Force for 11 years and is the spouse of a retired Air Force officer.
For more information about UTEP's Military Student Success Center, visit its website at utep.edu/student-affairs/mssc.
Last Updated on February 17, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published February 17, 2026
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
