UCLA graduate student Sonya Brooks appointed as 2025-26 UC student Regent

The University of California Board of Regents today (July 17) appointed University of California, Los Angeles graduate student Sonya Brooks as the 2025-26 student Regent.

Brooks is the 51st student Regent, a position established in 1975. She will serve as the student Regent-designate for the coming year, be able to participate in all deliberations, and will have voting privileges when her one-year term as a Regent begins in July 2025.

Sonya Brooks. Download larger version here. Credit: UCLA Bruin Life Photo Studio.

Brooks is simultaneously pursuing two graduate degrees at UCLA - a Master of Public Health in the Fielding School of Public Health and a doctorate in Education in the School of Education and Information Studies. She earned a bachelor's degree from UCLA and a master's degree in Urban Education Policy from Brown University.

Drawing from her own experiences as a first-generation student and student parent, Brooks brings a unique perspective to the role and is passionate about ensuring the University is inclusive and welcoming to students from diverse communities. Brooks' dedication to helping others is also evident in her extensive record of service. She has a proven track record of supporting, empowering and advocating for students, including through her leadership in the UCLA Graduate Student Association and the UCLA Alumni Association and as president of the UCLA Black Graduate Student Association. In recognition of her exceptional leadership in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, she recently received the 2023-2024 UCLA EDI Student Leadership Award.

"As a first-generation student and parent, I am deeply honored to serve as the next student regent for the University of California," said Brooks. "In this critical period of budget challenges and threats to academic freedom, I am committed to being a tireless advocate for all students, especially those whose voices often go unheard. My focus will be on crucial issues like psychological and recovery health support, graduate student housing, support for student parents, research and mentorship opportunities, as well as strengthening our health and medical education systems to produce inclusive, compassionate practitioners for our incomparable medical centers. I believe our students are among the finest in the world, and I pledge to serve them with respect, integrity, and a strong sense of community, working tirelessly to ensure that the UC system remains a beacon of excellence and opportunity for all."

Panels appointed by the UC campus student body presidents, the UC Student Association and the UC Graduate and Professional Council reviewed the applications for the student Regent position. They interviewed semifinalists, and a special committee of the Regents interviewed the finalists and nominated Brooks.

You may find more information about the Board of Regents' policy on appointing a student regent here.

The attached photo may be used with credit to UCLA Bruin Life Photo Studio.

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