News Summary
The University of Houston-Victoria will transition to Texas A&M University–Victoria by September 2025, following Senate Bill 2361, which facilitates governance transfer. With a commitment of $25 million for academic enhancement, the new university aims to address local workforce needs and offer new programs in engineering, agribusiness, and aviation management. Current students and employees will automatically become part of the Texas A&M System, with ongoing support for existing projects and a focus on retaining local talent for future employment.
Victoria, Texas – The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) will officially transition to Texas A&M University–Victoria on September 1, 2025, becoming the 12th university in the Texas A&M University System. This decision comes after the passage of Senate Bill 2361, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, which facilitates the transfer of governance, assets, and oversight from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System.
The Texas A&M System has committed $25 million from the new state budget to enhance academic programs and services in the region, underlining the university’s role as a critical educational institution for the area. Chancellor John Sharp emphasized that this transition represents a “transformational moment” for both Victoria and South Texas, highlighting the necessity for a world-class regional university to serve local students and industries.
As part of the transition, current students and employees of UHV will automatically become Texas A&M–Victoria students and employees. Existing tuition and fees will remain unchanged until further decisions are made by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents. Additionally, UHV employees will transfer to the Texas A&M System’s group benefits insurance program, which includes protections for service credit and eligibility.
The legislation also ensures the continuity of ongoing projects and agreements by allowing the transfer of existing contracts and financial obligations from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System. This careful planning aims to minimize disruptions and maintain service levels for current students and staff.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M–Victoria is expected to broaden its degree offerings, particularly in high-demand areas such as engineering and agribusiness, which align with local industries including petrochemical, manufacturing, and agriculture. The first new program to be introduced is an aviation management program, set to soft-launch in Spring 2026, with a full aviation program planned for Fall 2026. Furthermore, a new agribusiness program is also slated to debut in Fall 2026.
This strategic move aims to counter the trend of “brain drain,” encouraging local students to remain in Victoria for their education and subsequent employment opportunities. The transition has garnered strong support from local officials, employers, and the broader community, all of whom are focused on fostering workforce development in the region.
A national search is currently underway for the first president of Texas A&M–Victoria, a crucial role that will shape the university’s future and development. The A&M System, represented by Board of Regents Chairman Robert L. Albritton, is committed to investing in academic programs that bolster workforce and economic development in the region, further enhancing the university’s potential impact.
Incoming Chancellor Glenn Hegar has expressed optimism regarding the addition of Texas A&M–Victoria to the Texas A&M System, noting the institution’s potential to elevate education standards in the area. This transition marks a significant milestone not only for the university but also for the Victoria community and South Texas, setting the stage for an invigorated educational environment focused on meeting local workforce needs.
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Additional Resources
- Victoria Advocate: Texas A&M University Leader Talks A&M Victoria
- KHOU: Texas A&M Victoria University Name Change
- Crossroads Today: Prosperity Bank to Expand with $321 Million Merger
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University System
- Crossroads Today: Victoria Lifts Citywide Boil Water Notice
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Houston-Victoria
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