Local leaders support University of Houston-Victoria Transfer to Texas A&M System

VICTORIA, Texas – Local leaders Mayor Duane Crocker and Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller have released statements supporting the transfer of the University of Houston-Victoria to the Texas A&M University System.

In the statement, Mayor Crocker highlights that Victoria would become the 12th higher education institution within the Texas A&M System. He also emphasizes how the transition would benefit students by providing “increased access to the resources and support to thrive for decades to come.”

In a letter to Gov. Abbott, Judge Zeller expresses his support by highlighting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and its positive effects on the community after taking over Corpus Christi State University.

“The transfer could bring significant benefits such as increased funding, robust economic benefits to our part of Texas, expanded academic programs, and a more substantial regional presence,” said Judge Zeller. “We need only look about 90 miles to the south here to see the tremendous impact that Texas A&M has made over time in Corpus Christi.”

The University of Houston has released a statement about the transfer. The university stresses its commitment to student success and the communities it serves through its four universities.

UH acknowledges that “the TAMU System, specifically in the areas of agribusiness and agricultural economics, may be better aligned to support the Victoria region’s economic growth and local workforce needs,” said Shawn Lindsey, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications. “We will continue to work closely with Sen. Kolkhorst, state leaders, and Texas A&M University System leadership to ensure that UHV thrives and continues to serve its students and community effectively.”

The transfer is not official yet as it needs to pass the Texas Legislature and be approved by the Texas Board of Regents.

In 2011, former state Rep. Geanie Morrison filed a similar bill that did not pass.