Dear UH System Faculty and Staff,

With mixed feelings, I must announce that Loren J. Blanchard, president of the University of Houston-Downtown, has accepted a position as president of California State University, Long Beach.

As you may know, President Blanchard joined us from California State University System, where he previously served as its executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, making him a strong fit for Cal State Long Beach. However, given his exceptional leadership of UHD, I am sad to see him go.

Since joining UHD in 2021, President Blanchard has improved graduation rates, increased faculty grant awards, strengthened University partnerships and doubled UHD’s annual fundraising. Moreover, in 2023, the Wall Street Journal recognized UHD as one of America’s Best Colleges, ranking UHD No. 1 in diversity and No. 3 in student experience at the national level. Within the state of Texas, UHD rose to No. 5 in salary impact and No. 11 in social mobility. In addition, during his leadership, UHD has risen in the U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings in the Regional University of the West, Social Mobility and Top Public Schools in the Region categories.

I thank President Blanchard for the amazing achievements he accomplished for the UHD students, faculty, staff, community and region. In his first year, he launched a five-year strategic plan, which has further advanced students’ success. I am confident that he will excel at Cal State Long Beach and look forward to hearing about his continued success.

President Blanchard is scheduled to start with Cal State Long Beach on May 1. Please join me in thanking him for his service and in wishing him the best in his new endeavor.

With warm regards,

Renu Khator