Lone Star College System has been recognized as a higher education leader for veteran services with the 2025 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Gold Award.
“This award reflects Lone Star College System’s dedication to the brave men and women who have served our nation,” said Vickie Johnson, LSCS executive director, Veteran Services. “From helping navigate the admissions process to securing educational benefits through certification to providing mental health services and work-study opportunities, these individualized resources make all the difference in helping students complete their education and find gainful employment after graduation.”
Established by the Texas Legislature and administered by the Texas Veterans Commission since 2021, this award recognizes higher education institutions that demonstrate excellence in supporting veteran and military-connected students and their families. A total of 33 Texas institutions were honored this year with gold, silver and bronze designations based on the existence and quality of:
- A centralized place for veteran students to meet and get assistance
- An institution employee who is a central point of contact for veteran students
- A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs work-study program
- Admissions and enrollment policies for veterans
- New student orientation and courses for veterans
- A student organization for veterans
- Academic support services for veteran students
- Mental health and disability services
- Faculty and staff training on issues affecting veteran students
- Career services for veteran students
Thousands of veteran students enroll annually at Lone Star College System, where they can learn how to translate valuable skills acquired during their military service to the workforce. A dedicated team of experts sets students up for success by guiding them through educational benefits, academic advising and seamless career transitions.
Additionally, veteran lounges and student organizations help foster community among peers in a supportive environment outside of the classroom. Partnerships with community organizations expand access to resources, including housing, employment and health care for veterans beyond campus.
“Transitioning from the military to civilian life and returning to school comes with unique challenges. Our Veteran Services team works diligently to support these students with compassion, connecting them to the quality education, resources and services needed to achieve their goals,” said Melissa N. Gonzalez, Ph.D., LSC-Kingwood president.
This is the first year LSCS has applied for the award in a collaborative effort between LSC-System Office and LSC-Kingwood Veteran Services with support from Vickie Johnson, LSCS executive director, Veteran Services and Siara McMahon, LSCS director, Veteran Services.
Learn more about services available to veterans at LoneStar.edu/Veterans.
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.