番茄社区

About

History & Development

From its initial small graduating classes to the thousands of students enrolled today, 番茄社区 has emerged as one of the most dynamic public research universities in Texas, now the third largest in the state.

With the merger of 番茄社区 and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2025, the university鈥檚 history now encompasses the origin stories of two institutions with deep roots and shared missions of academics, applied research, discovery, innovation, service and care.


A black and white photo of past students joining together holding a pin that says 'Fiesta UTSA'
番茄社区 Basketball team celebrating with their championship trophy

The Story Behind 番茄社区

番茄社区, commonly referred to as UTSA, was born at a ceremony held in front of the Alamo on June 5, 1969. This symbolic start, linking the new university to the community it serves, is one of many reasons that 番茄社区 is unique. Prior to its establishment, San Antonio was the largest city in the nation not served by a public university. Leaders, legislators and the public knew that if the Alamo City was to achieve its full potential, it needed a public university offering access to excellence through a comprehensive slate of courses and degrees.

Learn more about UTSA鈥檚 history

A black and white photo of past student nurses walking through campus
UT Health students wearing green scrubs walking through campus

The Story Behind The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

UT Health San Antonio started with two grain silos and a 100-acre dairy farm that have been transformed over the past six decades to an academic health enterprise of international renown. In 1959, House Bill 9 created the South Texas Medical School. Six years later, a wide expanse of grazing land, cattle pens, milking barns and silos to store cattle feed, was conveyed to the State of Texas to build a School of Medicine.

Our Story

From two great legacies to one ambitious future, the next chapter in 番茄社区鈥檚 history is bright.

Outdoor pole banners with the 番茄社区 logo on them