The 2023 CCEC Winter Meeting in San Antonio showcased the benefits of cross-institutional collaboration within our multi-institution higher education system. Members explored both UT San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio during the weekend, gaining insights into their top initiatives as both individual entities, as well as together in partnership.

Presidents William Henrich (UTHSA) and Taylor Eighmy (UTSA) highlighted their institutions' responses to the evolving local workforce demands amid record-setting growth in the San Antonio region. They emphasized collaborative strategies aimed at leveraging each institution's strengths to serve San Antonio and Texas effectively, such as the new UT School of Public Health San Antonio – a shared endeavor between UTHSA and UTSA that will enroll its first students in 2024.

Educational sessions for members took place at UTSA's San Pedro I building which houses the university’s School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC). UTSA leaders discussed collaborations with government and industry to provide credentialing programs in information technology and cybersecurity.

UT Health San Antonio's Henrich and Dr. Robert Hromas, Dean of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, highlighted efforts to accelerate drug development and bring them to market more efficiently. Henrich also shared plans for a new human performance institute, which includes a partnership with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, alongside Spurs legend Manu Ginobili during a dinner conversation.

Also spotlighted was UTSA's rapidly rising athletics program, with discussions featuring athletic director Lisa Campos, head football coach Jeff Traylor, and notable athletes. Each speaker shared how the university’s athletics department has upped its game on and off the field, leading to entry into the American Athletic Conference in Fall 2023