A second-year law student at UC Davis with keen interest in education and public policy was confirmed Wednesday as a member of UC's governing body for 2005-06.

The Board of Regents acted on the appointment of Adam Rosenthal during a regular meeting at UCSF-Laurel Heights.

The 25-year-old student will now attend meetings and participate in discussions of the 26-member board as a non-voting member. Beginning in July, Rosenthal will serve as student regent for one year and be a voting member. "I look forward to the tremendous opportunity to shape policy," he said. "My new position allows me to work on many issues that I'm passionate about."

Rosenthal, who graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in history and Jewish studies in 2001, wants to be fully involved in the university's major policy decisions. "Many of the issues before the regents over the next two years will dramatically shape the future of our university and the nation's security," he said.

Rosenthal cites as key isues the affordability of public higher education, the necessity for greater diversity on all UC campuses, the future makeup of UC professional schools, and whether or not the university will continue to manage the Department of Energy's most important national laboratories.

One of his top priorities, Rosenthal said, is to increase financial aid to offset recent student fee increases.

After he earned his undergraduate degree, Rosenthal participated in the national teachers corps, Teach for America, and taught English and history at Havenscourt Middle School in Oakland for two years.

"While I was teaching I realized that in order for me to ensure that my students -- and the thousands like them -- truly have the same educational opportunities as their peers in more affluent neighborhoods, I needed a strong legal background," he said. "It was a tough decision to leave the teaching profession. I really enjoyed it."

Rosenthal began his studies at the School of Law in 2003. He said he appreciated the school's small size and its strong reputation.

Rosenthal already has leadership experience on his resume. In high school, he served as the international president of United Synagogue Youth, a Jewish youth organization. While at UCLA, he was a member of the student government and helped develop the campus's first Arab-Jewish dialogue group. And at Davis, he's served on the law school's educational policy committee.

A summer associate at the Sacramento offices of Kershaw, Cutter, Ratinoff & York, Rosenthal is pursuing a career in law and ultimately public service. He said he's particularly interested in working to make K-12 education more equitable and effective.

Rosenthal said he wants to see UC expand its efforts to train teachers to help meet the state's demand for qualified K-12 educators. And on K-12 outreach, he said the university's work to help improve schools and prepare students for university represents a modest investment compared to the dividends it yields.

Rosenthal was one of 66 student applicants systemwide.

He said he is committed to being available to students. He has an office in the law school and will maintain regular office hours. "I'm going to listen to and work with all sectors of the university community."