By University Communications
Friday, 02 23 2024

Student veterans from multiple state universities attended the event 

SAN ANTONIO — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher visited Texas A&M University-San Antonio on Thursday, Feb. 22. During Bradsher's visit, she hosted a veteran round table, providing a platform for student veterans and professionals serving military-connected students to engage in an open and unfiltered conversation about veteran education and health benefits.

"I wanted to take the opportunity to meet with our student veterans while I was in Texas and hear about the key challenges they're facing with issues like food security, rent security and housing security," said Bradsher, who added this was her first time in San Antonio. "This was a great opportunity to see how things are going and then take the students' input back with me to DC." 

As she settles into her new role as deputy secretary, Bradsher said she's focused on ensuring the VA has adequate staff in place to provide veterans with additional programs and benefits. 

"We went through a big hiring process last year, but we still have gaps, especially with counselors," she said. "We want to make sure every veteran has a phenomenal experience as they're getting their education, their home loans and health care benefits. But we have to have the employees in place to make that happen." 

Bradsher, a fourth-generation veteran who served for 20 years in the United States Army, is the first woman to serve as the VA's deputy secretary. Previously, Bradsher served as the chief of staff for Veterans Affairs, as well as special assistant to the president and senior director for Partnerships and Global Engagement.  

Student veterans from four state universities attended the round table discussion, including representatives from A&M-San Antonio, University of Texas at San Antonio, Alamo Colleges and University of the Incarnate Word.

Also attending the event were officials from veteran service programs, such as the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership, VetSuccess on Campus, and Bexar County Military & Veteran Services. These subject matter experts provided a deeper understanding of student concerns and issues, helping enhance the overall discussion.

A&M-San Antonio is the only university Bradsher is visiting during her time in Texas. While in the Alamo City, she also attended a memorial ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, during which 17 new headstones were erected to honor the remains of Black WWI soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment. Bradsher is also attending the VA's Equity Action Plan Launch event at the North West San Antonio VA Clinic, where she's discussing updates to this year's benefit plans. 

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a leading institution in veteran education. Known for its commitment to serving military-affiliated students, the University was awarded the 2023 Gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas Veterans Commission. 

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, the University offers 37 undergraduate degrees and 19 graduate degrees to more than 7,300 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of only 30 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 77 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and approximately 60 percent are the first in their family to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; in 2020, Military Times ranked the University No. 35 in the nation for “Best for Vets: Colleges.” Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission