Senate committee hears bill to transfer University of Houston–Victoria to Texas A&M system

Senate Committee on Education members heard testimony on Senate Bill 2361, a proposal to transfer the University of Houston–Victoria from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M University System, during a public hearing where community and industry leaders urged support and system officials warned the technical transition would take significant time and resources.

Senator Kolkhorst, the bill sponsor, told the committee the transfer would “align the region with the goals that Texas A and M University System has” and would allow new engineering, agriculture and STEM degree programs tailored to the Victoria region’s industrial base. She said the measure includes provisions “to ensure a smooth transition for health care benefits for the employees of the university.”

The committee heard from Texas A&M System officials and local leaders who described broad local backing and potential economic benefits, but also outlined operational hurdles.…