The University of Houston has received a $3 million gift from the William A. Brookshire Foundation to expand its Veterans Services Center, strengthening support for student veterans through enhanced facilities, programs and dedicated staff.
The investment will expand the center’s footprint and capacity, adding staff and resources to support student veterans from enrollment through graduation and into their careers.
“Military-connected students bring extraordinary leadership, resilience and real-world experience to the University of Houston. This investment will allow us to expand the services, community and support systems that help these students and their families thrive — ensuring that those who have served our country have every opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
Paul Kittle
Vice President of Student Affairs at UH
Nationwide, more than 800,000 veterans and military-connected students are enrolled in higher education, many balancing academics with the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life — making access to comprehensive support services critical to their success.
“Our founder, W.A. (Bill) Brookshire, UH Class of 1957, often spoke of the deep debt of gratitude he felt toward the veterans who served our nation, affording him the opportunity to pursue his education,” said John Garrison of the W.A. Brookshire Foundation. “This gift honors that service. We are proud to support the expansion of the University of Houston Veterans Services Center and strengthen the essential services it provides to those who have sacrificed so much.”
In recognition of William A. Brookshire’s enduring support for veterans, the center will be renamed the William A. Brookshire Veterans Services Center, honoring his legacy and creating a lasting tribute to those who served.
“I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Brookshire and seeing how much he cared about students and this University,” said Russell T. Dunlavy, vice president for advancement and alumni. “This gift reflects that commitment, and it’s about what comes next. As we look toward our next 100 years through the ‘Can’t Stop Houston: The Centennial Campaign,’ it ensures his legacy continues to create new opportunities for the students who follow.”
The UH Veterans Services Center, a nationally recognized program and a Military Friendly-designated school, supports nearly 3,500 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members and their families. It provides comprehensive services — from transition assistance and academic advising to benefits processing and mental health support — helping students successfully navigate the move from military service to college life.
As that population grows, the center has expanded its focus to include career readiness, connecting students with networking opportunities and industry partners. The $3 million investment will further strengthen that work by expanding capacity and enhancing services.
For Celina Dugas, an Army veteran who leads the center, the gift’s impact is both professional and personal.
“This investment strengthens our ability to meet student veterans where they are and walk alongside them every step of the way — expanding the hands-on support, guidance and sense of community critical to their success,” Dugas said. “As a veteran, I know how important it is to have a place where you feel understood, and this ensures we can continue creating that space for our students every day.”
Anthony Moss, a senior from Detroit majoring in Computer Information Systems, said the support he found at UH made a critical difference in his adjustment to college life.
“Transitioning from the military to higher education is daunting, no matter how prepared you are,” Moss said. “UH’s Veterans Services Center eased that transition by providing a welcoming community of fellow student veterans and connecting me to benefits and resources I wouldn’t have found on my own.”