Brian Haynes, UC Riverside vice chancellor for Student Affairs, was appointed to the California Student Aid Commission by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Nov. 15.

The commission is the main state agency overseeing financial aid programs for public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. The 15-member bodyworks with elected officials to set policy and includes representatives from higher education, the general public, students, and secondary schools. The position requires confirmation by the state Senate.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to serve on the California Student Aid Commission and am most excited to transform lives of students and their families through education,” Haynes said.

Haynes has been in his current position at UCR since 2018. The vice chancellor of Student Affairs has broad oversight of student-related programs, including for campus life, ethnic and gender programs, athletics, the Career Center, Student Recreation Center, and the Highlander Union Building.

Haynes has more than three decades in senior executive roles at public universities across the nation where has championed access, equity, and success for students. Before joining UCR, Haynes was vice president for student affairs at Cal State San Bernardino and vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Clayton State University.