News Brief

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 — 11:02 am

Loren J. Blanchard, the president of the University of Houston-Downtown, will take the helm of Cal State Long Beach on May 1.

Blanchard previously was California State University’s executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, leading the development of Graduation Initiative 2025, a decade-long effort to increase degree attainment.

“CSULB is renowned for being a student-centered university that fosters a culture of holistic support, community engagement and inclusive excellence,” Blanchard said in a statement. “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.”

At the University of Houston-Downtown, Blanchard oversaw a public university of more than 13,000 students. During his tenure, the university launched and monitored a new strategic plan and more than doubled its annual fundraising to $5.2 million, according to a university biography.

Blanchard has previously held leadership positions at Xavier University of Louisiana, the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, and the University of Louisiana System. He has a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s from McNeese State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

Blanchard will receive an annual salary of $543,742 and will live in the university’s presidential residence. In addition, he will be eligible for performance-based pay of up to 10% of his base salary, annual deferred compensation of $61,244, and a monthly auto allowance of $1,000.

Cal State Long Beach’s previous president, Jane Close Conoley, retired in June.

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