Newest Aggie campus gets $25 million boost
It’s official: The University of Houston-Victoria soon will become Texas A&M University– Victoria, the 12th university in The Texas A&M University System. Following the end of the governor’s signing period in June, the A&M System announced the transition — a move years in the making.
As part of this milestone, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp also announced that Texas A&M University-Victoria received $25 million in the new state budget for the effort, and commended the work of Victoria- area State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst in the Senate Finance Committee for securing the funds needed to grow the university.
“This is a transformational moment for Victoria and for South Texas,” Chancellor Sharp said. “The people of this region deserve a worldclass regional university, and that’s exactly what we’re going to help build. I am especially happy about this milestone, since I grew up in Victoria County.”
Graduates of UHV from DeWitt County commented on social media about the change and generally supported it.
“Even though I will miss UHV, change can be amazing,” Kimberly Varela said. “Embrace change and go with the flow.”
Several from Victoria joked about graduating from high schools that no longer exist and now their college will not either.
The transfer was made possible through Senate Bill 2361, authored by Senator Lois Kolkhorst and sponsored in the House by Representative A.J. Louderback, and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.
The legislation transfers all governance, assets, and oversight of the Victoria campus from the University of Houston System to the A&M System. While the change takes effect Sept. 1, today’s announcement follows the customary waiting period for gubernatorial review.
“This move opens new doors for students, faculty, and the entire region,” Board of Regents Chairman Robert L. Albritton. “The A&M System is committed to investing in academic programs that directly support the workforce and economic development of this vital part of Texas.”
The university officially becomes part of the Texas A&M System on Sept. 1. As part of the A&M System, TAMU– Victoria is expected to expand degree offerings — including new programs in engineering and agribusiness — that align with the region’s petrochemical, manufacturing, and agricultural industries.
Founded in 1973 and previously part of the University of Houston System, the university has long served as a critical hub of higher education in South Texas. Local officials, employers, and residents have strongly supported the transition, which reflects renewed confidence in the A&M System’s ability to grow regional campuses.
“To partner with the prestige of the Texas A&M System is a momentous opportunity,” said Senator Kolkhorst. “We are grateful for the leadership of Chancellor Sharp and Chairman Albritton and their work with the Legislature to bring this vision into reality and set the course to build a globally recognized university in the coastal plains of Texas.”
A national search for the first president of TAMU–Victoria is now underway.
Incoming Chancellor Glenn Hegar, who, like Sharp, represented Victoria in the Texas Senate, also expressed enthusiasm about the addition to the System.
“I know the Victoria area well,” Hegar said. “I am confident that the Texas A&M System can provide the resources to take the university to the next level. I am excited about the opportunities this will bring to the region.”
