January 23, 2025 — Chancellor James B. Milliken has named Dr. Taylor Eighmy as the acting president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, starting February 1, 2025. Dr. Eighmy will also continue as president of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
This appointment comes as part of a larger plan to merge UTSA and UT Health San Antonio, making Dr. Eighmy the first president of the new integrated university, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in summer 2025. The final merger is expected by September 1, 2025, with full integration taking up to three years.
Chancellor Milliken praised Dr. Eighmy for his effective leadership during this transition. “Having one president will streamline decision-making and enhance the new UTSA’s chances of long-term success,” he said.
Dr. Eighmy will focus on creating a cohesive leadership team to facilitate this merger. He aims to develop a strategic plan that maintains the strengths of both institutions while establishing the new university as Texas’ third-largest research university.
Since taking the helm at UTSA in 2017, Dr. Eighmy has made significant contributions, including:
- Achieving Carnegie R1 classification, recognizing UTSA as a top research university.
- Building partnerships with federal agencies, military, and industry for research and education.
- Modernizing campus facilities, such as opening the School of Data Science.
Dr. Eighmy’s career shows his dedication to student success and research. Before joining UTSA, he was the vice chancellor for research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and held positions at Texas Tech University and the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his PhD in civil engineering.
The UT System also thanked Dr. Robert Hromas, who served as acting president since March 2024 after Dr. William L. Henrich’s passing. Dr. Hromas will resume his role as dean of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, a leading medical school in Texas.
As Dr. Eighmy steps into this new role, he will collaborate with leaders from both institutions to build a unified vision. With this merger, the new university aims to become a leader in education, healthcare, and research, driving economic growth and improving health outcomes in the region.
