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The University of California Board of Regents today (July 16) appointed UC Davis graduate student Miguel Craven as the 2026-27 student regent. Craven will serve from July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026 as student regent-designate. He will have voting privileges when his one-year term as student regent begins on July 1, 2026.

Craven earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC Merced, where he also served as student body president of the Associated Students. In his student government role, he worked to expand funding opportunities for student organizations and create new pathways for professional development and creative expression. He has advocated at the state level for improved student resources with the goal of creating accessible higher education for all Californians.

Craven previously served as the student observer to the UC Board of Regents’ Committee on Finance and Capital Strategies, where he advocated for systemwide improvements in housing and financial access. At UC Merced, he led the campaign for construction of a student union building on campus.

Currently, he is pursuing his master’s degree in Energy Systems at UC Davis. A native of California, he is passionate about elevating and empowering all students to have a voice in STEM fields.

“As a proud UC Merced alum, I have experienced firsthand the transformative impact a UC education has on our students,” said Craven. “I’m honored to continue working with the Board of Regents and students to enhance educational and co-curricular opportunities to develop the next generation of leaders in our communities.”

Two different panels of student leaders reviewed the applications and interviewed semifinalists. A special committee of the Regents interviewed the finalists and nominated Craven. The UC Board of Regents appointed Craven as the 2026-27 student regent at the July 16 Board of Regents meeting.

You may find more information about the Board of Regents’ .

50 years of student regents

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first UC student regent appointment. In 1975, UC Santa Barbara student Carol Mock was the first appointed student regent. To commemorate this occasion, tomorrow, the UC Board of Regents will adopt a resolution honoring those who have served in this important position and recognizing its vital role in representing students and upholding public trust. The resolution highlights how Student Regents have consistently championed issues like access, affordability, and student support services, leading to significant systemwide policy changes.