University of Houston-Downtown President Loren J. Blanchard will step down on April 30 after “nearly five years at the helm.” Blanchard, who began his role in March 2021, told colleagues he plans to return to California for a new position. University officials are expected to handle the leadership transition during the spring semester, according to Houston Business Journal.
Where He's Headed
The California State University, Long Beach Board of Trustees has selected Loren J. Blanchard as the university’s next president, with his term set to begin on May 1. In a campus statement, Blanchard said, “I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to be named Cal State Long Beach’s next president,” and said he looks forward to joining the Long Beach community, according to California State University, Long Beach.
His Record At UHD
Blanchard became UHD's seventh president on March 15, 2021, and rolled out a 2022-2027 strategic plan that centers on student success, fundraising and a multi-phase campus expansion. His official biography credits his administration with increasing donor support and boosting faculty grant awards while pursuing new downtown facilities and community partnerships. University of Houston-Downtown outlines those priorities and initiatives.
Campus Expansion And Local Impact
His exit comes while UHD is in the middle of a push to secure new downtown space and launch centers focused on entrepreneurship and data analysis, projects Blanchard has noted in recent State of the University addresses. Those plans include a move into 1801 Main along with other master-plan elements that have drawn attention from local higher education watchers. Community Impact has detailed the expansion and the related legislative funding requests.
What Happens Next
Blanchard's resume already includes senior leadership roles in the California State University system, including a stint as executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, a background that Cal State Long Beach emphasized when announcing his hire. With his May 1 start date in Long Beach on the books, UHD leaders now face the task of naming interim leadership and launching a search for a permanent successor. California State University, Long Beach notes his prior CSU experience and outlines the timing of the transition.
