SAN ANTONIO — In a move that officials say will result in the state's third-largest research university, University of Texas regents gave the green light for a merger between UTSA and UT Health San Antonio to create "a powerful, singular entity that surpasses the sum of its parts."
The move, announced Thursday, combines the resources of the region's largest academic health research school in UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA) and UTSA's top classification as a research institution, according to a press release. The touted impact is wide-ranging, benefiting everything from medical response and job growth to technological progress and educational opportunities.
Documents provided by the UT system say the combined institution is expected to have a $2.2 billion budget, a "direct economic impact" of $6 billion, and a school population of about 40,000 students and nearly 16,000 employees. It will open in 2025.
"This merger will enhance the potential of both institutions, transforming San Antonio and South Texas into a global hub of academic and research excellence," the release said, adding the move will also help address the region's medical and economic needs.
According to a UT fact sheet, it's too early to determine if and how the merger might cause job losses.
As for what happens now, UT said next steps in the merger, including a proposed timeline for the process, will be presented to campus stakeholders and forums for "early engagement." UTSA and UTHSA will develop the plan for merging, which will have to be approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges while being presented to the Board of Regents.
The goal is for UTSA and UTHSA to be considered "conditionally merged" by next June.
"By bringing together all of their complimentary and unique strengths, we will give Texans access to the best education, discoveries and health care imaginable, while accelerating the university's trajectory as a top U.S. and global university," UT Regents Chair Kevin Eltife said in the release.