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<\/p>\nNews Brief<\/p>\n
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 \u2014 11:02 am<\/p>\n
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Loren J. Blanchard, the president of the University of Houston-Downtown, will take the helm of Cal State Long Beach on May 1.<\/p>\n
Blanchard previously was California State University\u2019s executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, leading the development of Graduation Initiative 2025,<\/a> a decade-long effort to increase degree attainment.<\/p>\n \u201cCSULB is renowned for being a student-centered university that fosters a culture of holistic support, community engagement and inclusive excellence,\u201d Blanchard said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master\u2019s from McNeese State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.<\/p>\n Blanchard will receive an annual salary<\/a> of $543,742 and will live in the university\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Cal State Long Beach\u2019s previous president, Jane Close Conoley, retired<\/a> in June.<\/p>\n More News Briefs <\/p>\n \n Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 12:57 pm <\/p>\n TikTok to settle lawsuit claiming youth addiction to social media<\/a><\/p>\n \n Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 12:51 pm <\/p>\n Judge: San Francisco Unified illegally reassigned journalism teacher<\/a><\/p>\n \n Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 10:25 am <\/p>\n San Jose State accused of violating Title IX with athletics policies<\/a><\/p>\n \n Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 8:41 am <\/p>\n