Loren Blanchard, a former California State University executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, was announced Wednesday as the next president of Cal State Long Beach.
Blanchard, who currently serves as president of the University of Houston-Downtown, will take over the position on May 1.
“I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to be named Cal State Long Beach’s next president,” Blanchard said in a statement. “CSULB is renowned for being a student-centered university that fosters a culture of holistic support, community engagement and inclusive excellence. I look forward to joining The Beach community in the transformational work it does every day to turn dreams into reality for thousands of diverse and talented students.”
Blanchard will replace interim President Andrew Jones, who has been filling the role since August following the retirement of President Jane Close Conoley.
“The committee was impressed with Dr. Blanchard’s demonstrated strategic and inclusive leadership style and strong commitment to student success,” CSU Trustee Christopher Steinhauser, who chaired the president search committee, said in a statement. “We have every confidence that he will lead Cal State Long Beach adeptly, collaboratively, and with integrity and vision.”
Blanchard has been leading University of Houston-Downtown for the past five years. He previously served as provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana, associate vice chancellor for Academic and Multicultural Affairs at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, and served as provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs and associate vice president for Accreditation, Leadership & Accountability in the University of Louisiana system.