(AUSTIN, TX) — The Texas Senate unanimously passed Senator Lois Kolkhorst’s (R-Brenham) Senate Bill 2361, the historic legislation authorizing the transfer of the University of Houston–Victoria campus to the Texas A&M University System.

Local leaders supported the legislation in a hearing earlier this month, embracing the opportunity for Victoria and the Crossroads region to better align degrees with industry in the region, including engineering, agriculture, and other industrial degrees, while also advancing traditional degrees like business and teaching.

Addressing her fellow senators, Kolkhorst cited the growth of industries such as oil and gas exploration, nuclear technology and coastal industries. She thanked the University of Houston for their cooperation and praised Texas A&M University System for agreeing to assume control of the campus.

“This is an opportunity not only for the Crossroads region but also for Texas,” said Senator Kolkhorst. “With the agricultural and petrochemical sectors experiencing rapid growth, an educated workforce is essential to support these industries. Texas A&M is a global leader in agriculture, engineering, and STEM fields, making it the perfect choice for workforce development.”

SB 2361 will transfer the powers, responsibilities, and oversight of the university to the Texas A&M University System, and the campus will be renamed Texas A&M University – Victoria.

Senator Kolkhorst has collaborated closely with leaders from both universities throughout this process. The transfer has received letters of support from local government officials and business leaders. Kolkhorst thanked Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for their support of the transfer as well as the Texas A&M Regents.

Upon passage of Kolkhorst’s bill, Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp has also expressed support for the transfer.

“Today, Senator Kolkhorst passed a piece of legislation in the Senate that we from Victoria have dreamed about for decades,” said Chancellor Sharp. “The Texas A&M University System will turn Texas A&M-Victoria into one of the premier campuses in Texas. I thank her for working so well, for so long with me and the Texas A&M System to achieve this.”

The bill now moves to the Texas House where State Representative AJ Louderback (R-Victoria) is sponsoring the companion bill. Once signed by the Governor, the effective date of the transfer will be Sept. 1.

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