University of Sussex student Lewis Wilson has been elected to represent the rights of millions of students in England.
He has been voted in as Vice President for Higher Education (England) for the National Union of Students (NUS) – an influential organisation which speaks for the rights of university and college students across the UK.
Lewis, who today (Wednesday1 July 2026) steps into the role officially, will hold the position for two years and will be expected to work with Government, universities and regulators to advocate for students’ interests, with a focus on issues such as the cost of living, student funding, welfare and the quality of education. The Vice President for Higher Education leads national campaigning, policy development and representation for university students.
Lewis said: “I am incredibly proud to have been elected as Vice President for Higher Education at NUS. Students across the UK are facing huge pressures, from rising living costs to the increasing marketisation of education, and they deserve a national movement that is bold, organised and prepared to fight for them.”
During his time as Education and Employability Officer at Sussex Students’ Union, Lewis led several campaigns and policy changes aimed at improving the student experience.
Working with students and campaign groups, he helped secure changes to University policy to allow greater flexibility for working students.
During his time in office, he also helped students save money on bus fares by securing reduced student ticket prices and worked with the university to freeze rents on some of the most affordable student accommodation to keep education accessible.
Working closely with the University and University staff, he also supported the delivery of a Socially Responsible Investment Policy, which has divested investments from companies considered unethical.
Lewis said: “Sussex has always been a university rooted in radical and progressive thought, and that spirit shaped the way I approach student representation.
“At a time when higher education is under pressure to become more market-driven and less critical, that tradition of challenging power and imagining something better is exactly what the sector needs.”
Professor Kate O’Riordan Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) said: “We are delighted to see Lewis elected for this role. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to his dedication and passion for improving the student experience.
“Lewis has already supported and empowered students across our community and we look forward to seeing him continue to advocate for students and drive positive change for students in his national role.”
The National Union of Students is the national confederation of student unions in the United Kingdom. Founded more than 100 years ago, around 600 students’ unions are affiliated with NUS, representing more than 7 million students across higher and further education.
All registered students at the University of Sussex and Brighton and Sussex Medical School are automatically members of the University of Sussex Students’ Union. Through this affiliation they are also part of NUS, connecting Sussex students to one of the largest student movements in the world.