News Summary
Carlos Martinez, the Senior Vice President for Government Relations at UT San Antonio, will retire as announced by President Taylor Eighmy. This leadership transition occurs as the university advances its strategic vision. Martinez has been instrumental in fostering governmental relations, and the university will now seek his successor to ensure continued advocacy efforts. His significant role in promoting community engagement and developing partnerships highlights UT San Antonio’s commitment to enhancing higher education in Texas.
Houston, TX –
UT San Antonio Government Relations SVP Carlos Martinez to Retire
Carlos Martinez, the Senior Vice President for Government Relations at UT San Antonio, will retire from his role, as announced by President Taylor Eighmy on January 5, 2026. This announcement marks a transition in the university’s leadership as it continues to advance its strategic vision and engagement initiatives.
Martinez has been a key figure in UT San Antonio’s governmental engagement activities, playing a significant role in fostering relationships at local, state, and federal levels. The university will initiate a search to identify his successor to ensure continuity in its advocacy and relationship-building efforts.
A Visionary Leader’s Departure and Institutional Momentum
President Taylor Eighmy’s announcement of Senior Vice President Carlos Martinez’s retirement comes as UT San Antonio continues to evolve its role as a leading higher education institution in Texas. Since his arrival in September, President Eighmy has articulated a comprehensive vision for UTSA as an urban-serving, Hispanic-thriving discovery enterprise.
Martinez’s tenure has been characterized by efforts to coordinate and facilitate the university’s governmental engagement, navigating interactions with City Hall, the Bexar County Courthouse, and the State Capitol, and collaborating with the Office for Research on initiatives in Washington D.C. His work has supported UT San Antonio’s mission to enhance its public service and community engagement through strategic governmental relations.
Strategic Engagement and Community Impact
The Office of Governmental Relations, under Martinez’s leadership, has been tasked with communicating the university’s legislative funding and policy priorities to elected officials and their offices. This includes monitoring legislation related to higher education and informing policymakers about the impact of various policy proposals.
UT San Antonio is dedicated to serving the communities of South Texas through meaningful partnerships and integrated care. As an academic medical center, UT Health San Antonio, which is now part of the unified UT San Antonio, focuses on improving community health and well-being, addressing health challenges through specialized care, research, and educational programs.
UT San Antonio’s Expanding Influence and Economic Contributions
UT San Antonio is recognized as a Carnegie R1-designated institution and the third-largest public research university in Texas. It advances knowledge through teaching, scientific innovation, patient care, and community engagement, serving approximately 40,000 students across 320 academic programs. The university invests over $486 million annually in research programs and generates an estimated $7 billion economic impact for Texas.
The institution’s commitment to community is further evidenced by initiatives like the Center for Civic and Community-Engaged Leadership, which empowers students, faculty, and staff to engage in community-based learning and scholarship. These programs help develop leaders who approach community needs with an inclusive, asset-based perspective.
Leadership and Future Transitions
Martinez has held senior leadership positions in Texas higher education for nearly two decades, joining UTSA in September 2020. He initially served as Chief of Staff, overseeing administrative and operational activities for the Office of the President, and assisting with community and governmental relations. In May 2021, he was appointed Senior Vice President for Institutional Strategic Planning, Compliance Risk Management, and Office Operations & Chief of Staff. His transition to Senior Vice President for Governmental Relations became permanent on September 1, 2025, as part of the new university leadership structure for the merged institution.
The university’s leadership structure, including the President’s Cabinet, aims to foster collaboration and innovation across academics, research, health, business operations, athletics, and community engagement. These leaders are charged with ensuring UT San Antonio remains a leader in education, research, discovery, commercialization, and patient care, serving as a foundational anchor for San Antonio.
Cultivating Engaged Citizens and Workforce Readiness
UT San Antonio places a strong emphasis on preparing students for leadership and societal contributions. The Certificate in Community Engaged Leadership, open to undergraduates in all majors, combines coursework with experiential learning opportunities in San Antonio and Bexar County. This program aims to foster skills and virtues essential for community leaders, providing hands-on experience in addressing urban challenges.
Through programs like Rowdy Corps Community Scholars, work-study eligible students gain paid internship opportunities at local nonprofit and government agencies, enabling them to acquire professional experience while serving the community. This focus aligns with President Eighmy’s broader vision of preparing students for future jobs and strengthening the economy.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Excellence
As UT San Antonio prepares for this leadership transition in its governmental relations office, the institution remains steadfast in its commitment to academic freedom, personal responsibility, and a rigorous pursuit of knowledge. The search for a new Senior Vice President for Governmental Relations underscores the university’s dedication to maintaining strong external partnerships and advocating effectively for its priorities. The ongoing efforts in research, education, and community engagement are poised to continue contributing significantly to Texas’s educational and economic landscape.
Readers are encouraged to explore UT San Antonio’s various programs, attend campus events, and stay informed about the impactful contributions of Houston’s dynamic college community. Visit the official UT San Antonio website for more details on academic offerings, research endeavors, and opportunities for community involvement.
Keywords: UT San Antonio, Houston TX college news, Texas TX higher education, UT research, government relations.
FAQ Section
- What was announced by President Eighmy on January 5, 2026?
- President Taylor Eighmy announced the retirement of Carlos Martinez, the Senior Vice President for Government Relations at UT San Antonio, on January 5, 2026.
- Who is Carlos Martinez?
- Carlos Martinez is the Senior Vice President for Government Relations at UT San Antonio.
- What is President Eighmy’s vision for UT San Antonio?
- Since his arrival, President Taylor Eighmy has outlined a vision for UT San Antonio as an urban-serving, Hispanic-thriving discovery enterprise.
- What is the economic impact of UT San Antonio for Texas?
- UT San Antonio generates an estimated $7 billion economic impact for Texas annually.
- What is the role of the Office of Governmental Relations at UT San Antonio?
- The Office of Governmental Relations has the primary responsibility to communicate with all local, state, and federally elected officials and their offices regarding UT San Antonio’s present and future legislative funding and policy priorities.
Key Facts: UT San Antonio’s Impact and Leadership
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | January 5, 2026 |
| Retiring Official | Carlos Martinez, Senior Vice President for Government Relations |
| President’s Vision | Urban-serving, Hispanic-thriving discovery enterprise |
| Annual Research Investment | Over $486 million |
| Economic Impact (Texas) | $7 billion annually |
| Student Enrollment (approx.) | 40,000 students |
| Academic Programs | 320 programs |
| Carnegie Classification | R1-designated institution |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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