Taylor Eighmy named as acting president of UT Health San Antonio, effective February 1, 2025

JANUARY 23, 2025 — Chancellor James B. Milliken today announced the appointment of Taylor Eighmy, PhD, as acting president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), effective February 1, 2025. Dr. Eighmy will concurrently continue serving as president of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

The UT System Board of Regents previously announced that Eighmy will become the first president of the integrated new university (UTSA and UT Health San Antonio) pending a successful review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in summer 2025. The merger is set to be finalized by September 1, 2025, with full operational integration expected to take up to three years.

“Since the Board of Regents approved the new integration plans last August, Dr. Eighmy has demonstrated effective leadership during the transition, leading the complex merger activities, and fostering strong collaborations as he works to align the institutions,” said Milliken.  “At this time, there are clear advantages to having one president with decision-making authority, and we believe this move best positions the new UTSA for long-term success,” he added.

Since integrating UT Health San Antonio and UTSA requires steady and deep expertise from within the broad academic medicine and health care/clinical enterprise – including its financial and operational functions – Dr. Eighmy will continue to be supported by strong, experienced leadership teams at both institutions.

Part of Dr. Eighmy’s initial focus as UT Health San Antonio’s new acting president will be to develop a single, comprehensive leadership cabinet structure to accelerate the momentum of the merger and integration planning efforts. He will oversee the creation of a strategic plan that supports a seamless transition, ensuring the new institution continues to build on the excellence of its legacy institutions while establishing itself as the third-largest research university in Texas.

A recognized leader in public higher education, Dr. Eighmy has served as president of UTSA since 2017, spearheading strategic initiatives that have propelled the university’s national standing. His leadership has been marked by significant achievements, including:

• Carnegie R1 designation: Securing UTSA’s classification as a top-tier research university.
• Collaborative partnerships: Establishing key research and academic collaborations with federal, military and industry partners.
• Campus modernization: Overseeing critical infrastructure projects, including the opening of the School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center.

Dr. Eighmy’s career reflects a deep commitment to student success, research innovation and community engagement. Prior to his tenure at UTSA, he served as vice chancellor for research and engagement at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and held leadership roles at Texas Tech University and the University of New Hampshire (UNH). He earned his doctoral degree in civil engineering from UNH and has been recognized for his contributions to advancing research and economic development.

The UT System regents and chancellor also expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Robert Hromas, who has served as acting president of UT Health San Antonio since March 2024, following the unexpected passing of Dr. William L. Henrich. Dr.  Hromas will return to his role as dean of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, where he has been successful leading one of Texas’ and the country’s premier medical schools.

"We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Hromas for his leadership during a time of change and for his commitment to the mission of UT Health San Antonio. He selflessly stepped in when we needed him most, and we are grateful for his good work." Milliken said.

Next Steps in the Merger Process

This announcement marks a significant milestone in the effort to align the missions, operations and governance of both institutions. Dr. Eighmy will work with leaders across both campuses to develop an inclusive and unified vision for the new university.

Given the complexity and scale of the merger, Dr. Eighmy will announce additional key leadership appointments in the coming weeks and months to establish an effective administrative structure that supports long-term success.

The newly merged institution is poised to become a national leader in education, health care and research, with the potential to drive economic growth and improve health outcomes for the region and beyond.