AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas at Austin President Gregory L. Fenves has appointed Soncia Reagins-Lilly as vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
Lilly has served since June as interim vice president for student affairs and, since 2006, as dean of students.
As vice president, Lilly will manage the Division of Student Affairs’ nine departments, which include the Counseling and Mental Health Center, Housing and Food Service, New Student Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, Recreational Sports, Texas Parents, The Center for Students in Recovery, University Health Services and the University Unions.
“Dr. Lilly is uniquely qualified for this role for UT Austin,” said Fenves. “She has a deep knowledge of the university and, for the past decade, has been at the heart of our efforts to make this a welcoming and safe campus for every student. She is dedicated to UT Austin students — mentoring, guiding and supporting them as they balance their studies with the demands and pressures of university life and as they prepare for life beyond the Forty Acres.”
“I am honored by this appointment and excited to continue our work with students, faculty, staff and all our community. The Division of Student Affairs has a critical role in the college experience of our students throughout their Longhorn journey, and I look forward to building on that foundation of excellence,” said Lilly.
Before coming to UT Austin, Lilly was assistant vice chancellor of student affairs administration at the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of California, Irvine, a master’s degree in education at California State University, San Bernardino, and a doctorate in education administration at the University of Southern California.
She replaces Gage Paine, who retired as vice president for student affairs during the spring.
Lilly’s appointment is effective immediately.
