June 28, 2025

Victoria’s University Transforms to Texas A&M University–Victoria

News Summary

Victoria, Texas, is set for a significant educational shift as the University of Houston-Victoria transitions to Texas A&M University–Victoria by September 2025. This change, made possible by Senate Bill 2361, will position UHV as the 12th member of the Texas A&M University System. With $25 million allocated to enhance programs, existing students and staff will transition seamlessly, ensuring continuity in benefits. Community support is strong, with hopes for growth and workforce development in the region, marking a new chapter in local education.

Texas – The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) will officially transition to Texas A&M University–Victoria on September 1, 2025, becoming the 12th institution within the Texas A&M University System. This significant change follows the recent passage of Senate Bill 2361, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott and facilitates the transfer of governance, assets, and oversight of the UHV campus from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System.

The Texas A&M System Chancellor, John Sharp, has highlighted the transformative potential of this transition for the Victoria region, emphasizing the crucial need for a robust university that meets regional demands. As part of the transition, the university will receive $25 million from the new state budget aimed at expanding academic programs and enhancing services across the area.

Current students and employees of UHV will automatically transition to Texas A&M–Victoria on the designated date, which assures a smooth changeover for those involved. Tuition and fees will initially remain unchanged under the University of Houston System until the Texas A&M System Board of Regents issues new directives regarding fiscal policies.

Moreover, UHV employees will shift into the Texas A&M System’s group benefits insurance program, with safeguards in place to protect their service credit and eligibility. Existing contracts and financial responsibilities that fall under the University of Houston System are also set to transfer to the Texas A&M System, ensuring that ongoing projects and vendor agreements maintain continuity throughout the transition.

Following the transition, the Texas A&M System will gain the authority to issue bonds to fund future improvements to the Victoria campus, aligning resources with set limitations previously established by UHV. Anticipated new degree programs, especially in fields such as engineering and agribusiness, are designed to resonate with the region’s significant petrochemical, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. This alignment aims to bolster workforce development and increase opportunities for local students.

Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst, who authored the bill that facilitated the transition, has characterized this development as a momentous opportunity for both Texas A&M and the surrounding region. The legislation also includes provisions for the continuation or implementation of student fees for essential services, such as the student center and the health and wellness center, with necessary oversight from a student fee advisory committee.

The Victoria campus has played a pivotal role as a higher education hub in South Texas since its establishment in 1973, garnering substantial support from local officials and community members during this transition process. To further promote the university’s advancement and public engagement, a national search for Texas A&M–Victoria’s inaugural president is currently in progress.

Incoming Chancellor Glenn Hegar expresses confidence in the Texas A&M System’s capacity to elevate the university’s academic offerings and resources significantly. As mandated by the legislation, a transition plan detailing the transfer of property, contracts, funding, and administrative functions is to be submitted by June 1.

This transformation marks a new chapter for the Victoria campus and aims to enhance educational opportunities for future generations in the region, ultimately supporting community growth and development.

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