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:
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.
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.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
The 2025 edition of the Symposium will take place March 14 – 16 in the beautiful city of San Antonio, hosted by UTSA. We are thrilled to bring a variety of programming and performances by distinguished concert artists from around the world.
UTSA Recital Hall, Main CampusThis beginner-friendly workshop teaches basic sewing and quilting skills along with the history of the craft.
Santikos Building, Hall 150, UTSA Southwest CampusJoin UTSA Libraries for a virtual workshop for EndNote users who have mastered the basics but would like to learn about more advanced features the program can offer.
Virtual Event (Zoom)Join UTSA Libraries for a virtual workshop for EndNote users who have mastered the basics but would like to learn about more advanced features the program can offer.
Group Spot B, John Peace LibraryStudents, faculty and staff are invited to join UTSA's delegation at the annual César E. Chávez March for Justice in downtown San Antonio. Free transportation will be provided from the Main and Downtown Campuses, and all university community participants will receive a complimentary commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last)
1310 Guadalupe Street, San Antonio, TexasJoin UTSA Libraries and Museums to learn more about the publishing discounts available for UTSA researchers.
Virtual Event (Zoom)PubMed is an essential database for anyone conducting biomedical or health-related research. This workshop will teach attendees how to effectively navigate this free resource and locate peer-reviewed articles using advanced search features, MeSH subject headings, and Boolean operators.
Virtual Event (Zoom)The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
