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Supporting over 3,000 student veterans and their dependents may seem demanding, but for Student Veteran Services at the University of North Texas, it's a meaningful opportunity to help veterans successfully transition into college life at UNT and beyond into their careers.

The Texas Veterans Commission recently awarded University of North Texas with the Gold Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) for their excellence in providing education and related services to veterans and the military-connected community (Tex. Govt. Code § 434.252). This is the third year for Student Veteran Services to receive the recognition.

"We're truly honored to receive the Gold VEERA award, especially as a three-time recipient," said James Davenport, director of Student Veteran Services. "Our team is committed to supporting student veterans and their families every step of the way during their UNT experience. Receiving this recognition, along with others, reaffirms the impact of our work and highlights the dedication of our student veterans."

In the past year, Student Veteran Services made 4,800 connections with students through their programs and services. Among these were 70 personalized campus tours, which resulted in 68 students enrolling. Each tour offered an introduction to Student Veteran Services, consultations with an admissions counselor and academic advisor, lunch at Bruce Hall, and visits to key campus locations including the Student Health and Wellness Center, Rec Center, Coliseum/Gateway, ROTC, Union, Library and Special Collections floors, science buildings, and DATCU Stadium.

Student Veteran Services also provides limited emergency funding for military, veteran, and veteran-dependent students. Last year, 10 students received $9,100 in aid through this endowment. With two additional endowments secured this academic year—the Phil Miller VFW Post 2205 Endowed Scholarship and the Apollo Scholarship Endowment for Veterans—the program will expand support to more students in 2024-2025.

The department also offers a variety of programs, including the SALUTE Honor Society and Student Veteran Association Omega Delta Sigma. Sage Hall features a dedicated common area for student veterans, providing them with a space to connect, share experiences, and even unwind with gaming. Additionally, Student Veteran Services partners with UNT’s Career Center to connect veterans with potential employers.

UNT’s Student Veteran Services is also recognized as a Veteran Friendly Campus from Military Times, U.S. Veteran Magazine, and GI Jobs.

The Texas Veterans Commission evaluates applications on a variety of criteria that highlight the various education and ancillary services offered by an institution, and which contribute greatly to the overall success of veteran students and their families. Criteria included opportunities like a centralized place for student veterans to meet and find assistance, new student orientation, mental health and disability services, and career services, among others.

Since 1927, the mission of the Texas Veterans Commission has been to advocate for and provide superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors.

UNT's Student Veteran Services is one of the pillars of the Center for Belonging & Engagement and part of the Division of Student Affairs.