Monteigne Long detailed her transition from K-12 education to higher education and her steadfast dedication to supporting student veterans. With over 14 years of experience in veteran services, Long has played a pivotal role in developing comprehensive programs and initiatives that benefit military-connected students across the Texas A&M University System, encompassing 10 campuses and serving more than 12,000 military-affiliated students.
Her experience working with veterans and military families includes her tenure at the University of Southern California and her current role at Texas A&M University. Her focus has always been on fostering engagement, leadership, and success among student veterans.
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest in the nation, with over 150,000 students across 11 campuses, including a mix of research universities, regional institutions, and historically black colleges and universities. The system serves more than 12,000 military-connected students, with about 1,100 veterans at the main College Station campus. Its long history of military service includes strong partnerships with state agencies such as FEMA and a commitment to serving veterans and their families.
Key initiatives include the Veteran Promise Program, which guarantees future educational opportunities for veterans, and the Meals for Vets program that provides food security.
Each campus features a dedicated Veterans Center, staffed to address the specific needs of military-affiliated students. Programs like first-year seminars for veterans and Veteran Upward Bound at Texas A&M Kingsville help ease the transition to higher education.
Monteigne emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as the Texas Veterans Commission and Wounded Warrior Project to provide comprehensive support.
Collaboration with military installations and state agencies ensures seamless transitions from service to education. Strategic admissions advisors work closely with military personnel, helping them navigate their academic journey from enlistment to graduation.
Monteigne highlighted the transformative impact of the Hazelwood Act, a Texas benefit that waives tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents, making education more accessible.
This benefit plays a vital role in attracting and supporting military families within the state.
Innovative Tools for Accessibility An interactive map on the Texas A&M University System website helps prospective students identify and connect with resources at the campus of their choice.
Accessibility to services and streamlined communication among the campuses ensures a cohesive support system.
The Texas A&M University System promotes a veteran-inclusive culture through its core values of leadership, loyalty, and selfless service. Each campus tailors its support to reflect its unique strengths while maintaining strong collaboration across the system. Monteigne underscored the importance of creating a sense of belonging and community for student veterans, helping them achieve academic and personal success.
Actionable Items:
- Enhance the interactive campus map to improve accessibility for prospective and current students.
- Expand successful veteran-focused initiatives, such as Veteran Upward Bound, to additional campuses.
- Continue strengthening the veteran-inclusive culture across all campuses by leveraging Texas A&M’s rich military heritage and values. https://www.tamu.edu/index.html https://www.tamu.edu/veterans/index.html

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