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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — When student veterans arrive on a college campus, many bring discipline, leadership and life experience with them. What they often leave behind is the structure, camaraderie and sense of mission that defined much of their adult lives.

For many veterans at Texas A&M University, Charles Gardner has helped fill that gap.

The Texas A&M University System has named Gardner the recipient of the 2026 Student Veteran Excellence Award, an annual honor recognizing exemplary leadership, service and advocacy on behalf of military-connected students across the A&M System.

“Charles Gardner represents the kind of servant leadership we are proud to recognize across the Texas A&M System,” said Robert Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents. “He saw a need among fellow veterans and stepped forward to help build a stronger community for them. That is exactly the kind of character and commitment this award is meant to honor.”

Gardner, a student at Texas A&M University, was recognized for helping veteran students navigate the transition from military service to college life while building programs and support systems designed to make that transition easier for others who follow him.

“I had no idea I was being considered, so this is a wonderful surprise, and I am deeply grateful to those who nominated me,” Gardner said. “I truly love being able to work alongside my fellow veterans to support our peers and build a strong, lasting community here.”

The award recognizes more than volunteer hours or campus involvement. It honors veterans who continue serving after military service ends — not through rank or title, but through mentorship, advocacy and leadership in everyday life.

Gardner has done that in ways both visible and quiet.

As a leader in Veteran Aggie Leaders for Outreach, Research and Resources (VALOR²) and the Student Veterans of America chapter at Texas A&M, Gardner helped organize outreach efforts supporting more than 1,200 veteran and military-connected students. He worked alongside fellow veterans to collect student feedback, study recurring challenges and identify gaps in services that affected military-connected students across campus.

Those efforts helped produce practical changes with direct impact on students’ lives.

The work contributed to the creation of a centralized student worker information hub, expanded peer-support efforts, additional coordination with campus and community service offices, revisions to student policies affecting veterans attending VA appointments, and broader efforts to connect student veterans with academic, wellness and career resources without requiring appointments or complicated processes.

“Student veterans bring extraordinary leadership, discipline and perspective to our campuses, and Charles Gardner has used those strengths to serve others,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “His work reflects the very best of the Texas A&M System — service, leadership and a commitment to making sure those who have served our country have the support and community they need to succeed.”

Gardner’s selfless service has reached well beyond College Station.

A peer-led assessment model Gardner helped support has since been shared with universities across the country, including the University of Southern California, Ohio State University, Cornell University and the University of Colorado.

But those who nominated him said the most important impact cannot be measured in spreadsheets or reports.

“The transition from military service to the classroom can be isolating, overwhelming and filled with hidden obstacles,” wrote retired Sgt. Maj. Donald Freeman, associate director of the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center at Texas A&M, in his nomination letter. “Charles builds bridges, forges friendships and empowers veterans to reclaim their voice and write their next chapter with pride.”

Dr. Monteigne Long, director of Veteran & Military Services for The Texas A&M University System, said Gardner represents the best of the student veteran community across the System.

“Charles understands that leadership is ultimately about service to others,” Long said. “He has worked to ensure fellow veterans feel seen, supported and connected, and his efforts have strengthened not only the veteran community at Texas A&M, but the broader campus community as well.”

The Student Veteran Excellence Award is presented annually by The Texas A&M University System Office of Veteran & Military Services. The award recognizes one student veteran from across the A&M System who demonstrates exceptional service, leadership, advocacy and commitment to military-connected students and the broader campus community.