The star of Texas with the Texas State Capitol Building and the moon in the background
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has announced plans to merge the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA) into a single institution by 2025.
The two universities bring significant assets to the table. UT Health San Antonio, a leading academic health research institution, ranks among the top 3% globally for NIH funding. UTSA, a Carnegie R1 institution, educates 35,000 students across various disciplines. Combined, they aim to elevate San Antonio and South Texas as hubs of academic and research excellence.
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy is expected to lead the newly formed university, pending approval from accrediting bodies.
Board Chairman Kevin P. Eltife emphasized that the merger would consolidate the universities' strengths, accelerating San Antonio's standing as a global leader in innovation and healthcare. Eltife stated, "Great cities and great universities make each other better," highlighting the potential for this merger to transform the region.
With research expenditures approaching $470 million annually, the unified institution is set to become the third-largest research university in Texas. It will be well-positioned to attract significant funding, partnerships, and top talent globally, further solidifying the UT System's legacy of successful expansions.
Vice Chairman James C. "Rad" Weaver described the integration as a "catalyst" for regional growth, praising Eighmy's leadership at UTSA. The transition will involve collaboration between faculty, researchers, and administrators to ensure a smooth and strategic process.
