An illustration representing the merger of UT-San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio, showcasing an energetic campus life.
The University of Texas System has announced a significant merger between UT-San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio. Effective February 1, 2024, President Taylor Eighmy will serve as the dual president of both institutions. This merger aims to foster collaboration and enhance educational offerings, creating the third-largest research university in Texas. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges must approve the merger, with completion expected by September 2024. This transformative step promises to meet the evolving needs of students and the healthcare community.
San Antonio is bustling with significant news for both students and faculty alike as the University of Texas System gears up for an exciting transition. Starting February 1, 2024, Taylor Eighmy, who currently serves as the president of UT-San Antonio, will also step into the role of president for UT Health San Antonio. This development comes as part of a big merger that is expected to reshape the landscape of higher education in the region.
This new dual role was announced last Thursday, coinciding with a larger merger plan between the UT-San Antonio and the former UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. The University of Texas Board of Regents first introduced this merger idea back in August, citing it as a major opportunity for the growing city, located roughly 80 miles south of Austin. The vision here is to foster collaboration and enhance educational offerings, thereby benefiting both students and the community.
The board’s Chancellor, James B. Milliken, praised the merger, noting that having a single president with full decision-making authority will greatly contribute to the long-term success of the newly merged UT-San Antonio.
Once finalized, this merger will officially create the third-largest research university in Texas! But there’s still some work to be done; the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges will need to approve the merger, a process expected to wrap up this summer. If all goes according to plan, by September 1, 2024, we could see this exciting merger in full swing.
Eighmy will take over from outgoing president Robert Hromas, who will return to his roots as dean of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine. One of Eighmy’s key responsibilities will be to establish a comprehensive vision for this combined institution.
One of the interesting moves Eighmy has made is appointing Francisco Cigarroa to oversee the health components of the new institution, effective March 1, 2024. Cigarroa, a distinguished name in the field, will be managing the integration of UT Health San Antonio’s six health schools, its research portfolio, and the health system, ensuring a smooth transition that maximizes the strengths of both institutions.
Cigarroa’s impressive background includes a long history with UT Health San Antonio since 1995, where he has held various critical roles including that of the director of Pediatric Surgery. His experience extends beyond just administration; he has made invaluable contributions to the establishment of the Dell Medical School at UT-Austin and also helped in launching the School of Medicine at the UT Rio Grande Valley campus.
Eighmy views the merger not just as a structural change but as an opportunity to build a university that could stand among the nation’s best. His decision to appoint someone with Cigarroa’s vast expertise for leading health-related matters signifies a commitment to excellence during this transformational period.
This merger is not just a casual shake-up; it’s a proactive step toward anticipating the evolving needs of students and patients alike in an ever-changing educational and healthcare landscape.
As we watch these developments unfold, it’s clear that UT-San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio are on the brink of something truly remarkable. The upcoming months promise to be filled with excitement, challenges, and the potential for growth that the entire San Antonio community can rally around!
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