Editor’s note: UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy sent this message Jan. 5 to all faculty and staff.
After a distinguished career spanning public service, government relations and higher education leadership, Carlos Martinez, senior vice president for governmental relations, has announced his upcoming retirement effective Feb. 28, 2026.
Since joining UT San Antonio in 2020, Carlos has actively advanced the university’s mission through leadership in several key capacities. Prior to his current role, he served as senior vice president for Institutional Strategic Planning, Compliance, Risk Management and Office Operations, as well as chief of staff to the president. Previously, he held various leadership roles at UT Austin and within the UT System.
Throughout his tenure, Carlos has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing our mission, leaving a lasting and meaningful imprint on our campus community. His contributions to UT San Antonio, informed by decades of service to the UT System and the State of Texas, will continue to benefit our institution for years to come.
As we look ahead, I want to share our transition plan for this critical position. This month, a search will launch to identify the next senior vice president for governmental relations. Kathryn Keeton, vice president for presidential initiatives and chief of staff will chair the search committee, which will include leaders from the academic campus, health campus and UT System. We anticipate making the appointment in a timely manner to allow for a brief but meaningful transition period with Carlos before his retirement.
The new leader will serve as the university’s primary liaison with local, state and federal government entities, while leading a team of professionals in the development and execution of strategic advocacy initiatives. These efforts will advance institutional priorities, secure funding, influence policy development and strengthen external relationships.
As it has historically, this role will remain vital in fostering a supportive public policy environment and ensuring UT San Antonio’s leadership in education, health, research and community engagement. Additional details on the search will be shared soon.
I am deeply grateful to Carlos for his service to our university, particularly his leadership over the past year and a half, which has supported integration efforts and positioned our team for success. I know I speak on behalf of the entire UT San Antonio community in wishing Carlos the very best in this next chapter.
