The University of Houston–Victoria began as an effort in the late 1960s by the local community to bring a higher learning institution to Victoria.

UHV started its athletics program during the 2007–2008 school year with the Jaguars baseball and softball team.

In October 2008, the UH System Board of Regents adopted a resolution authorizing UHV to seek enabling state legislation to add freshmen and sophomores.

While previously an upper-division and graduate school only, UHV expanded in fall 2010 to admit freshmen and sophomores.

Instructors come from Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Belarus, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan and Thailand.

UHV was the first Texas public university to offer an accelerated program where students can earn a complete, 120-credit-hour bachelor's degree in just three years.

Jaguar Hall also has an on-site dining room and is located a short, 10-minute walk to the UHV campus.

The $22.8 million, 81,353 square foot building will be a three-story facility which will include 280 beds for sophomores and upper-level students, a large classroom, programming space, reception area, laundry, and common kitchens on every floor.

The $28 million, 56,464 square foot building will include lab space for biology, physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, computer science, microbiology, computer engineering and mathematics; classrooms, faculty and staff offices, immersive 180 degree screen lab, seminar room, and gathering spaces.

The proposed site will house 50% of the library collection, Small Business Development Center, Regional Economic Development Center, climate controlled space for records retention and storage, and flex space for academic programs while academic buildings are being designed and constructed.

The Learning Commons will include library services, a variety of technologies, private and group study spaces, comfortable and moveable furniture, writing assistance and tutoring.

UHV is one of two University of Houston System member schools with a varsity athletic program.

The Jaguars baseball team won back-to-back Association of Independent Institutions (AII) conference championships (2009 and 2010).

Head coach Terry Puhl is a former outfielder for the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals.

The Jaguars softball team won the first AII conference championship, finished 11th in the nation in 2009 and was ranked 21st in 2010.

The Jaguars moved on to the opening round of the NAIA national championship where they were defeated by Lubbock Christian University, finishing the season ranked 18th.

A soccer field, dubbed "The Cage" by players, was constructed on the UHV campus, and the men's and women's teams hosted the first on-campus home games ever during their fall campaign.

Head coach is Christi Cano, former All-American at Oklahoma State University and LPGA tour player.