Josiah Beharry

Josiah Behary is a Ph.D. student in Interdisciplinary Humanities at UC Merced, where his research explores pedagogy, trauma, and gender. studies As the 50th and first UC Merced and undocumented UC Student Regent, he has dedicated his tenure to advocating for marginalized students and shaping policies that ensure access and equity in higher education.

Beyond his academic work, Josiah is deeply engaged in nonprofit and advocacy spaces, having worked with organizations such as the ACLU, Central Valley Pride, and Power California to champion civil rights, LGBTQ+ visibility, and community empowerment. He is a public speaker and researcher, frequently presenting on issues of education reform, student advocacy, and social justice, while serving on numerous committees that shape institutional policy.

Guided by his core mission—to educate, advocate, and innovate—Josiah is committed to transforming classrooms, policies, and communities by challenging systemic barriers and reimagining what is possible in education and beyond.