Serving Those Who Serve
Veterans Resource Center
Sam Houston State University’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) aims to assist the men and women who have honorably served our country with their transition into university life. Currently, there are 670 self-identified student veterans on campus, and 10 are employed by the VRC.
Sam Houston State’s commitment to providing high-quality services and education for veterans has received numerous accolades throughout the years including a recent national ranking of No. 18 on the list of “Best Online Colleges for Veterans and Their Families in 2018” from OnlineColleges.com.
From personally evaluating all military transcripts, so veterans can acquire the maximum value of transfer credits, to providing referrals for medical and mental health care, the VRC offers a variety of resources to accommodate their needs.
“Since its inception in 2009, Sam Houston State’s Veterans Resource Center has grown exponentially,” Director Fernando Chavez said. “Our mission is to serve veterans, active duty members, reservists who have honorably served our country and assist them with their transition or continuation into university life at SHSU. In addition to veterans, we also aid their dependents who are eligible for or utilizing transferred VA or Hazlewood education benefits.”
First Responders
SHSU’s Emergency Operations Centers on campus, complete with back-up power sources, provide many opportunities to help first responders during a crisis. During Hurricane Harvey, the university provided resources for staging operations with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Arlington Police Department, and units from the Texas, Arkansas, and Indiana Army National Guard, housing over 500 Army National Guard soldiers as well as equipment and vehicles. The university also sent UPD officers to support forces in Beaumont and at Lamar University.
“Safety is a top priority for our university and its police department. Our officers strive to develop relationships and trust within our community and take an active role in the daily activities on campus,” SHSU Chief of Police Kevin Morris said. “We Bearkats pride ourselves on looking out for one another. In addition to engaging with students, faculty and staff, we partner with the Huntsville Police Department, Walker County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Highway Patrol to ensure our campus properties, facilities and events are as safe as they can be.”