UH-Downtown President Loren Blanchard Departs for Cal State Long Beach

Blanchard led efforts to expand UHD's campus, programs, and student success during his 5-year tenure.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15pm

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After five years as president of the University of Houston-Downtown, Loren J. Blanchard will be leaving his role to assume the presidency at California State University, Long Beach. Blanchard's last day at UHD will be April 30, 2026.

Why it matters

Blanchard's departure marks a significant transition for UHD, one of Houston's most diverse universities. During his tenure, he focused on improving the student experience, expanding academic programs, and boosting fundraising, though student retention and graduation rates remained a challenge.

The details

As president, Blanchard oversaw efforts to improve campus navigation, open a new recreation center, and launch new academic programs in areas like artificial intelligence and social work. He also laid out plans to double UHD's physical footprint by 2050. However, enrollment declined slightly and student retention and graduation rates fell short of his goals.

  • Blanchard will depart UHD on April 30, 2026.
  • Blanchard became UHD president in 2021 after previously serving in the Cal State system.

The players

Loren J. Blanchard

The outgoing president of the University of Houston-Downtown, who is departing to become president of California State University, Long Beach.

University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)

A public university in Houston, Texas that is the second largest four-year university in the UH System, known for serving a diverse student population.

California State University, Long Beach

A public university in Long Beach, California that is part of the California State University system.

Renu Khator

The chancellor of the University of Houston System, who expressed sadness over Blanchard's departure but confidence in his future success.

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What they’re saying

“This announcement is bittersweet. From my first encounter with UHD, I was drawn to its commitment to higher education access and its potential as an agent of change. I am proud of the number of students graduating from UHD each year with degrees of value that have equipped them to lead both in their communities and in their fields.”

— Loren J. Blanchard, Outgoing President, University of Houston-Downtown (University of Houston-Downtown)

“I am sad to see him go. I am confident that he will excel at Cal State Long Beach and look forward to hearing about his continued success.”

— Renu Khator, Chancellor, University of Houston System (University of Houston-Downtown)

What’s next

The University of Houston System will begin a search for Blanchard's successor as president of the University of Houston-Downtown.

The takeaway

Blanchard's departure marks a transition for UHD as it seeks to build on the progress made during his tenure, including expanding the campus, launching new programs, and working to improve student outcomes - an ongoing challenge for the diverse urban university.