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Designations of Excellence
As Tarleton State University advances as a premier comprehensive university, we have been expanding student services and achieving the highest levels of excellence in multiple designations. The Lozano Long Division of Global, Community and First-Gen Initiatives is proud to have helped lead and collaborate in attaining these distinctions.
FirstGen Forward Network Champion
Tarleton State University has been named one of only 18 institutions nationwide recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion. This prestigious designation honors colleges and universities that demonstrate national leadership and innovation in supporting first-generation student success.
The achievement reflects Tarleton’s deep commitment to helping first-generation students thrive through programs, partnerships, and initiatives that promote academic excellence, personal growth, and long-term success.
Gold-Level Military Friendly® Campus
Tarleton State University has achieved gold-level Military Friendly® Campus status, reflecting its commitment to supporting veterans and military-connected students through programs that enhance academic success and career readiness.
Developed by VIQTORY, the Military Friendly® standard measures an institution’s dedication to creating environments where service members, veterans, and military families can thrive.
Building on its 2024 silver recognition, Tarleton expanded veteran-focused initiatives—training faculty and staff in military support practices, adding a veteran academic advisor, and establishing the College of Leadership and Military Studies to strengthen leadership and service education.
A military-invested campus removes barriers and supports a smooth transition from service to college to graduation (Selber, Benn & Chavkin, 2021; Vacchi & Berger, 2014).
For more information, visit www.militaryfriendly.com.
VEERA Silver Level Award
The Texas Veterans Commission has recognized Tarleton State University with the Silver-level Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) for its outstanding support of student veterans and military-connected families.
The designation reflects Tarleton’s commitment to a veteran-friendly campus, highlighting initiatives such as the Veterans Lounge, dedicated orientation, and faculty and staff training. The university aims to achieve Gold-level recognition next year by expanding career services and veteran engagement programs.
To find out more about the resources available for military-connected students, visit www.tarleton.edu/veterans/.
global Initiatives
Our Impact is Global
The Lozano Long Division is committed to empowering international students by providing support services and fostering a welcoming campus community. Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment that facilitates academic and personal success for all students.
We serve students representing 34 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Liberia, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Passport Initiative
To increase global engagement—especially among first-generation students—the Division launched the Tarleton Passport Project.
Through the Student Global and Community Connections Office, the Division provides dedicated program dates to guide students through the U.S. passport process.
- Passport Programs are offered to students and faculty all year long.
To learn more, please contact Lucas Malone at lmalone@tarleton.edu.
MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Sherri Benn
Vice President for Global, Community and First- Gen Initiatives
Dr. Sherri Benn is the Vice President for the Lozano Long Division of Global, Community, and First-Generation Initiatives at Tarleton State University. Passionate about supporting all Texans—including students from more than 50 countries—she is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Her work focuses on global engagement, community partnerships, first-generation student success, and expanding access to learning across Tarleton’s campuses.
A strong advocate for veterans and active service members, Dr. Benn helps ensure Tarleton remains a military-friendly campus. With extensive experience in higher education leadership, she believes success comes from collaboration and keeping students at the center of every effort. She also serves on the Executive Committee of APLU’s Commission on International Initiatives.
Dr. Benn earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and has completed leadership programs at UC Berkeley and EAB.
Dr. Crystal Martinez-Smith
Interim Assistant Vice President of
Global, Community, and First-Gen Initiatives
(254) 968-9498
Rachael Weldon-Caron
Assistant Vice President of
TRIO Programs and First-Gen Initiatives
