Soncia Reagins-Lilly

Dr. Soncia Reagins-Lilly leads the Division of Student Affairs, the hub of student life and well-being at The University of Texas at Austin. She began serving as vice president for student affairs and dean of students in September 2016. Through her vision, the Division team collectively inspires every student—undergraduate, graduate and professional—to live the Longhorn life through transformative student-focused opportunities and communities.

Dr. Lilly's diverse portfolio creates the ecosystem to support the whole student—physically, mentally and emotionally—by partnering and sharing expertise with students, faculty, families, staff, alumni and supporters. Under her leadership, her team implements intentionally-designed programs, spaces and resources for all students. They include physical health, mental health and well-being services; new student and family orientations; the University's official parent association; recreational sports; and two university unions. The Division also supports 900 student organizations; student governance organizations; student emergency, veteran and legal services; and student employment, internship and leadership programs.

As a College of Education faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, Dr. Lilly plays an integral part in shaping the next generation of higher education professionals. Her expertise is highly valued through her development of curriculum; supervision of dissertations, independent studies and internships; and faculty advising.

Dr. Lilly's commitment to students and the student affairs profession began more than 35 years ago through her student involvement at the University of California, Irvine. That led to her professional career in student affairs at California State University, San Bernardino, as a student union program coordinator. Dr. Lilly then held progressive leadership roles in student affairs at California State University, San Bernardino; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; and the University of California, Los Angeles. She joined UT Austin as senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students in April 2006.

Active in the community, Dr. Lilly serves on the Dent Education Board and the advisory boards for Texas 4000 and the Derrick Johnson's Defend the Dream Foundation. She previously served on the St. Michael's Catholic Academy Board of Trustees, the Caritas of Austin Community Advisory Board and the Austin Child Guidance Center Board of Directors. A graduate of Leadership Texas, Dr. Lilly is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is the proud mother of a son and daughter.

Dr. Lilly earned a bachelor's degree in economics at the University of California, Irvine, a master's in education at California State University, San Bernardino, and a doctorate in education administration at the University of Southern California.