In August 2024, the University of Texas System Board of Regents announced that The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA) will merge into one academic powerhouse. This union will have a profound impact on the region. The merger brings together two San Antonio institutions with strong academic credentials and a shared commitment to excellence in education. This union, under the leadership of Dr. Taylor Eighmy, marks the beginning of a new chapter that will further enhance innovative academic offerings and student experiences while generating significant economic benefits for our community.
The impact of this union will be profound. The combined strengths of UTSA and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will draw more students from across the region and beyond, driving economic growth and job creation through UTSA’s efforts to prepare and connect students to careers in our region.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, the merged institution would have close to 16,000 employees, approximately 40,000 students across six campuses, an annual budget of $2.2 billion, and a $1.1 billion endowment. Further, the larger institution's annual economic impact could reach more than $6 billion.
This move will further position UTSA as a leading U.S. research university and medical school, boosting the attraction of top-tier faculty, securing increased research funding, and developing cutting-edge programs that meet the evolving needs of both students and regional businesses hiring UTSA graduates.
greater:SATX applauds the University of Texas System leadership for taking this bold step that will maximize and enhance the System’s shared assets throughout the San Antonio region.
This is a strategic alignment of two institutions and a powerful step forward in building a stronger UTSA that will benefit students, faculty, and our San Antonio community for generations.