Establishing a leadership structure for our unified university
February 13, 2025
Colleagues,
As we continue our transformative journey of integration, I want to express my deep gratitude for your commitment to our shared mission. As I’ve often said, the opportunity before us is unprecedented. Together, we are building a nationally preeminent university that will shape the future of education, research, health sciences and health care on a national and global scale.
Laying the Foundation for Our Future
As we continue our transformative journey of integration, I want to express my deep gratitude for your commitment to our shared mission. As I’ve often said, the opportunity before us is unprecedented. Together, we are building a nationally preeminent university that will shape the future of education, research, health sciences and health care on a national and global scale.
Laying the Foundation for Our Future
When the Board of Regents entrusted us with this integration, we immediately began preparing for accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). A key requirement of this process is defining a leadership structure for the new university that aligns with our mission and ensures operational excellence.
A critical milestone in this process is the establishment of a new executive leadership structure – a thoughtful, evolving framework that will guide our new institution, adapt to emerging needs and position us for sustained growth and long-term success. As we continue refining this structure, we will assess areas that are likely to warrant future integration to ensure we remain responsive and forward-thinking, building transformative impact in San Antonio, throughout Texas and beyond.
Cabinet Structure
The Executive Cabinet will unite leaders from academics, research, health, business operations, athletics and community engagement. Their charge is to foster collaboration, drive innovation and ensure the institution remains a leader in education, research, discovery, commercialization and patient care – serving as a foundational anchor for San Antonio, enriching lives and meeting the needs of those we serve.
Effective September 1, 2025, the Executive Cabinet for our new institution will be established with the following initial structure, and we expect that it will evolve and expand as the institution’s large-scale operational functions, needs and priorities become more defined over time.
Health System
- Senior Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Health System – Francisco Cigarroa Hospital, Hospital Outpatient Departments
Academics and Health Affairs
- Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs – Heather Shipley
- Senior Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Health System – Francisco Cigarroa Oversight of the six Health Sciences schools
Research
- Senior Vice President for Research – Jennifer Potter
Operations and Administration
- Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Andrea Marks
- Executive Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Enterprise Development Officer – Veronica Salazar
- Vice President of Presidential Initiatives and Chief of Staff – Kathryn Keeton
Athletics
- Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletics Director – Lisa Campos
Marketing and Communications
- Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Communications Officer – Heather Adkins
Government Relations
- Senior Vice President for Government Relations – Carlos Martinez
Institutional Advancement
- Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement – Karl Miller-Lugo
Legal Affairs and Risk Management
- Vice President for Legal Affairs and Chief Legal Officer – Hailey Mullican
- Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management – Jason King
These leaders will form the Integration Steering Committee along with leaders from academic affairs, finance, human resources and strategy. Over the next 24–36 months, these respective leaders will have an opportunity to help define the future operating model for university functions. Additionally, they will collaborate with faculty, staff and students to support a smooth integration, respond to evolving needs, enhance efficiencies and strengthen our mission.
Preparing for the Future: Thoughtful Planning for a Seamless Transition
Over the next six months, before this new structure officially takes effect, our leadership teams—including deans, vice presidents, senior leaders, department chairs, faculty and staff leaders — will actively engage in thoughtful planning, collaboration and evaluation to ensure a seamless and strategic transition. Members of the Executive Cabinet will begin meeting with teams across both institutions. This will be a time of thoughtful listening, not immediate change, as we work to understand the best ways to scale up services, enhance integration efforts and preserve the strengths of both legacy institutions as we build our new university.
We recognize that change, especially on this scale, may bring questions and uncertainty. Please know that this transition will be shaped through broad input. The integration of our institutions will unfold over the next few years, allowing us to thoughtfully build upon our strengths, refine our strategies and ensure that we are setting the foundation for long-term success. At every step, we will prioritize transparency, engagement and the needs of those we serve—our students, faculty, staff, patients and community partners.
This is an exciting and pivotal moment for our university. Together, we will lay the groundwork for an institution that not only meets today’s challenges but anticipates tomorrow’s opportunities — one that is innovative, collaborative and ready to lead on the national stage.
Building a Nationally Competitive Institution
Our new university structure reflects our bold aspirations to become one of the nation’s preeminent public research institutions, a top-tier academic and health enterprise and a destination for excellence in education, health care, research and innovation. As we assess and enhance our strategies, leadership and structural adjustments will be made deliberately over time to ensure we remain agile, mission-driven and positioned for sustained excellence and impact.
Preparing for the Future: Thoughtful Planning for a Seamless Transition
Over the next six months, before this new structure officially takes effect, our leadership teams—including deans, vice presidents, senior leaders, department chairs, faculty and staff leaders — will actively engage in thoughtful planning, collaboration and evaluation to ensure a seamless and strategic transition. Members of the Executive Cabinet will begin meeting with teams across both institutions. This will be a time of thoughtful listening, not immediate change, as we work to understand the best ways to scale up services, enhance integration efforts and preserve the strengths of both legacy institutions as we build our new university.
We recognize that change, especially on this scale, may bring questions and uncertainty. Please know that this transition will be shaped through broad input. The integration of our institutions will unfold over the next few years, allowing us to thoughtfully build upon our strengths, refine our strategies and ensure that we are setting the foundation for long-term success. At every step, we will prioritize transparency, engagement and the needs of those we serve—our students, faculty, staff, patients and community partners.
This is an exciting and pivotal moment for our university. Together, we will lay the groundwork for an institution that not only meets today’s challenges but anticipates tomorrow’s opportunities — one that is innovative, collaborative and ready to lead on the national stage.
Building a Nationally Competitive Institution
Our new university structure reflects our bold aspirations to become one of the nation’s preeminent public research institutions, a top-tier academic and health enterprise and a destination for excellence in education, health care, research and innovation. As we assess and enhance our strategies, leadership and structural adjustments will be made deliberately over time to ensure we remain agile, mission-driven and positioned for sustained excellence and impact.
I have every confidence that each of us will foster a spirit of collaboration, unity and shared purpose as we move forward in our integration efforts. Our success depends on our collective engagement, innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence.
With deep appreciation,
Taylor Eighmy, PhD
President, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Acting President, UT Health San Antonio
