Deborah E. Bordelon, chief academic officer and provost at the University of Houston-Downtown, will serve as interim president of UHD effective May 1, following the departure of Loren J. Blanchard, who was recently appointed president of California State University, Long Beach. UH System Chancellor Renu Khator made the announcement to the UHD community today.
“With Provost Bordelon’s two decades of higher education leadership, I am confident she will be a strong and effective steward of UHD,” said Khator. “She has a proven track record of improving student outcomes and a deep commitment to helping every student reach their full potential. I’m grateful she’s accepted this role to maintain UHD’s momentum.”
Bordelon, who joined UHD in 2022, began her administrative career as chair and associate professor at Xavier University of Louisiana and went on to serve as dean of the College of Education at Nicholls State University. She later served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Governors State University before being named provost and executive vice president at Columbus State University.
Bordelon holds a doctorate in special education, a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, all from the University of New Orleans.
A national search for UHD’s next president will begin immediately.
The University of Houston-Downtown is a comprehensive four-year university offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programs aimed at career preparation. Founded in 1974, UHD is part of the University of Houston System and is the city’s second-largest university, serving more than 13,500 students.