WTAW News has received more information about the proposal to add a 12th university to the Texas A&M system.
Senate bill 2361, which would move the University of Houston at Victoria to the A&M system, was filed by Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham, whose district includes Victoria.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 2361 as filed on March 12, 2025.
In a statement, she says “After listening to local stakeholders, I filed SB 2361 to transfer the University of Houston-Victoria to the Texas A&M University System, increasing opportunities for future generations. Whether it be energy, agriculture, or manufacturing growth, the Victoria area has immense opportunity for the specific courses and degrees offered by Texas A&M, and I am confident this transfer will meet the needs of this geographic region.
The statement goes on to say “Under Texas A&M, this campus will be able to offer degrees in engineering and agribusiness that are not currently available in the area. A&M agribusiness offerings are known throughout the world, emphasizing how beneficial this could be not only for Victoria but for the state of Texas.
The statement concludes with “This is an exciting idea to match the exciting growth in the area, and I am pleased to receive the support of local leaders such as the Victoria City Council, County Judge, and Commissioners Court, which recently voiced their unanimous approval.”
If enacted, the transfer would take place September 1 with the two systems finalizing the transfer process by June 1.
The senate bill has been referred to a committee. A companion bill in the House has not been assigned to a committee.
Original story, March 20 2025:
The Texas A&M system could be acquiring a 12th university.
Senate Bill 2361 calls for the transfer of the University of Houston at Victoria to the A&M system.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 2361 as filed on March 12, 2025.
The legislation was filed by Paul Bettencourt of Houston and Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham. As of March 20, neither has responded to WTAW News requests to explain the reason for the possible transfer. There has also been no response by the University of Houston system office.
A statement issued to WTAW News by A&M system chancellor John Sharp did not address the reason for the proposed transfer. Sharp said ““We are committed to working with state leaders to ensure excellence in higher education in each region of the state” and “We will be extremely happy to welcome the Victoria campus into The Texas A&M University System, if that is what Gov. Abbott and members of the Legislature decide.”
Two days before the bill was filed, the A&M system board of regents held a special meeting where the agenda included discussing behind closed doors, legal issues regarding potential legislation that was not identified. And last month, the agenda for a regular meeting of the University of Houston system regents included an undefined discussion, also in executive session, about the Victoria campus.
If passed, the two systems are required to enter a memorandum of understanding by June 1, 2025 with details on completing the transfer by September 1, 2025.
As of March 20, SB 2361 has not been assigned to a Senate committee.