A second-year law student at the University of California, Davis, with keen interest in education and public policy was confirmed today (Sept. 22) as a member of the university system's governing body for 2005-06.

The Board of Regents acted on the appointment of Adam Rosenthal at 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," said the student regent-designate. "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 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.

"I want to work as much as possible with legislators and the governor on issues affecting higher education," he said, adding that one of his top priorities is to increase financial aid to offset recent student fee increases.

Rosenthal was raised in the San Fernando Valley, and his education and early career combine the influences of his parents. His mother, a graduate of UC Berkeley, is a teacher, and his father, a graduate of UCLA, is an attorney.

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. During that time, he completed requirements for two teaching credentials at Alliant International University in San Francisco.

"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 UC Davis School of Law in 2003. He said he appreciated the school's small size and its strong reputation. He also was interested in experiencing a different part of the state.

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 over the past summer, 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.

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 learned about the opportunity to serve as a student regent while he was an undergraduate. One of 66 applicants systemwide, Rosenthal went through several rounds of interviews with student leaders and the regent's selection committee.

The student regent-designate said he is committed to being available to students. He has an office in the School of Law and will maintain regular office hours.

"I'm going to listen to and work with all sectors of the university community," he said. "I feel I can give my fellow regents feedback about how to make the entire UC system work better for the people of California."

Married, Rosenthal described himself as a "gym rat" and someone who likes to spend time with friends and family. He enjoys reading, mostly books about history and sociology, and vegetarian cooking.