San Antonio University Merger: UTSA and UT Health Unite

News Summary

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is merging with UT Health San Antonio, creating a significant institution that will support 40,000 students and 16,000 employees. Taylor Eighmy will serve as acting president of the combined university starting February 2024. This merger aims to enhance education, healthcare, and research, setting ambitious goals for recognition among leading universities. As these changes unfold, both institutions prepare for a transformative future, developing strong leadership and strategic plans.

San Antonio to Witness Major University Merger: Exciting Developments Ahead!

San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) takes a monumental step towards merging with UT Health San Antonio. This ambitious integration is set to shake things up in the world of higher education and healthcare in the region. Get ready for some groundbreaking changes that promise to make a significant impact!

Leading the Charge

Beginning February 1, 2024, Taylor Eighmy, the current president of UTSA, will step into the role of acting president of UT Health San Antonio. He is set to become the first leader of the newly integrated university once everything is finalized, which is anticipated to happen by September 1, 2024. This is a big deal for both institutions as they gear up for an exciting future together.

A Familiar Face in a New Role

In the wake of these significant changes, Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa has been appointed as the senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system at UT Health. Dr. Cigarroa is no stranger to the leadership scene; he previously held the position of chancellor of the UT System and was once president of UT Health when it operated independently. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare and higher education, he is well-equipped to oversee the integration process and guide both institutions towards a successful merger.

The Big Picture

This merger has been in the works for quite some time, having gained the green light from the UT System Board of Regents last year. As plans unfold, the combined institution is projected to encompass around 40,000 students and nearly 16,000 employees across six campuses. That’s a whole lot of talent in one place!

The merged university will operate with a shared budget estimated at a whopping $2.2 billion. Additionally, it boasts a half-a-billion-dollar endowment and is expected to create an impressive economic impact of over $6 billion annually.

Building the Future

As Eighmy steps into his new role, his initial focus will be on developing a robust leadership structure and a strategic plan to ease the merger process. It’s all about laying a solid foundation for what lies ahead. Existing leadership from within will also transition smoothly, such as Dr. Robert Hromas returning to his position as dean of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine after his interim stint at UT Health.

Aiming for Greatness

The newly merged institution is setting its sights high with aspirations to become a national leader in education, healthcare, and research. Ambitiously, both Eighmy and Cigarroa are gearing up to pursue recognition from the prestigious Association of American Universities. Achieving this would place the merged UTSA on par with esteemed institutions such as Texas A&M, Rice University, and UT Austin.

What’s Next?

As UTSA and UT Health embark on this journey, expect key leadership appointments and exciting announcements to unfold in the coming weeks and months. The collaboration between these two powerhouse institutions represents a historical opportunity to combine their strengths, ultimately serving the community, Texas, and beyond in remarkable ways.

In conclusion, it’s a thrilling time to be a part of the San Antonio academic landscape. With such significant developments on the horizon, both current and prospective students, faculty, and staff can look forward to the bright future this merger promises.