Joseph Carter Appointed 2026-2027 Student Regent

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed seven student regents to their respective universities, including Texas Southern University. Joseph Carter was appointed for a term effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.

Carter is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He is a student leader, researcher and public servant. He’s a political science major with a minor in psychology. Additionally, he is a Freeman Scholar in the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College at Texas Southern. As the Student Regent, he represents the student body and participates in high-level university governance. He maintains a strong academic record with a 3.8 GPA, earning President’s List recognition for six consecutive semesters. His work spans educational equity, civic engagement, environmental justice and community development.

He has gained valuable experience through research and internships. He was one of 22 students selected for the W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Program at Harvard University. As a research fellow in Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, he conducted interdisciplinary research on the neuroimmune effects of mold exposure in under-resourced communities.

His legal and policy experience includes service with housing and eviction legal teams through the Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP). He is also an intern with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. His civic leadership includes organizing a large-scale March to the Polls initiative that mobilized over 1,000 students and community members and resulted in the registration of hundreds of new voters.

He is the founder of the Carter Collective, an initiative that provides clothing and essential resources to college students facing financial hardship. Carter Collective has served hundreds of students across the Houston metropolitan area. He is also the Executive Director of Changed by Carter, a community-driven organization delivering outreach, service and mentorship to underserved populations.

On campus, he has served as a Tiger Ambassador, a member of Collegiate 100, and Mister Sophomore. His honors include being a recipient of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Corporate POLISH scholarship, Sandra Young Law Award, and first lace in the Texas Southern University Research and Innovation Pitch Competition.