The California State University board of trustees has selected Loren J. Blanchard, current president of the University of Houston-Downtown, to serve as the next president of California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Blanchard is slated to begin his new role on May 1.
According to the most recent federal data, California State University, Long Beach enrolls about 36,000 undergraduate students and nearly 6,000 graduate students. Black students represent 4 percent of the undergraduate population.
“I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to be named Cal State Long Beach’s next president,” Blanchard said. “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.”
Over the course of Dr. Blanchard’s five-year tenure at the helm of the University of Houston-Downtown, the institution has increased its funding through grants, gifts, and legislative appropriations; secured support for campus expansions; strengthened community relations; and launched new student success initiatives.
Prior to his current presidency, Dr. Blanchard spent six years as executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the California State University System. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Blanchard previously held senior academic leadership roles with Xavier University of Louisiana, the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, and the University of Louisiana System.
A first-generation college student and HBCU graduate, Dr. Blanchard earned his bachelor’s degree in speech pathology education from Xavier University of Louisiana. He holds a master’s degree in education from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Georgia.
