For years, Texas Tech University has been acknowledged for its dedication to providing services and programs specific to military and veteran students.

Since 2010, the university has been recognized as a military friendly school, with the highest level of accolades. And, since 2013, Military Times Best for Vets has named Texas Tech as a top school for active military services members, veterans and military families.

“Texas Tech being ranked a military-friendly school, it really comes into seeing the student from the entire process, and so from the moment a student transitions into the school all the way till they transition out of school and into a career. I think looking at where the students are at — the services that they need and their families, and really making it about the entire experience — is what sets Texas Tech apart from the rest,” said Jade Silva Tovar, senior director of the university’s Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

The staff of the Military & Veterans Programs pride themselves on providing personal assistance in walking students through the process of using their military benefits, as well as seeking out opportunities for students to develop and grow their careers. 

A local veteran, current accounting student and program coordinator for Texas Tech’s Military & Veterans Programs, Brian Conkin, shared his story.

“For me, actually I started out as a traditional student straight out of Springlake-Earth into college,” Conkin said. “I graduated Tech with my bachelor’s in marketing. After about five years after 9/11, I decided to join the military. I did an eight-year commitment. I decided at some point I might as well use my GI benefits, before I lose them. I wasn’t really sure how to transition back, so I came to the Military & Veterans Program, and they walked me through it. I ended up taking a position as a work-study. I was here a couple of years and got offered a position as a program coordinator.”

Conkin said it’s that personal touch that has led him to a career. He enjoys helping other military and veteran students. And, with about 58 military students graduating this fall, there are several students looking to begin their careers soon. 

From offering military boot camps for students, assistance with academic transitions, building a connection with community, sharing an experience with military peers, as well as supporting military families, Texas Tech is dedicated to taking care of those who raise their hands proudly to take care of their country.

“Veterans are the people you want on campus,” Debra Crosby,  director of Military & Veterans Programs, said. “They’re leaders, they’re driven, ready to get their degree, they’re the ones that serve. Some of them were killed in action, some of them wounded and they’ve come back and gone to school. We have several ways to celebrate them.”

The staff of Texas Tech’s Diversity, Equity and inclusion division say their efforts will not stop. They will continue to provide the best of efforts to serve their active military, veterans and their families.