Dr. Loren J. Blanchard
Blanchard, who will assume the presidency May 1, 2026, brings 35 years of higher education experience to the role, including previous service within the CSU system as executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.
"The committee was impressed with Dr. Blanchard's demonstrated strategic and inclusive leadership style and strong commitment to student success," said CSU Trustee Christopher Steinhauser, who chaired the presidential search committee.
During his five-year tenure at the University of Houston-Downtown, Blanchard led implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan, increased institutional funding through grants and legislative appropriations, and secured support for campus expansion. He also strengthened community relations and implemented integrated student success initiatives.
The appointment marks a return to the CSU for Blanchard, who spent six years as the system's executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. In that role, he led development of Graduation Initiative 2025, the CSU's decade-long student success effort that improved educational outcomes systemwide.
Blanchard's career also includes serving as provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana, associate vice chancellor at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, and holding two positions within the University of Louisiana system.
A first-generation college graduate, Blanchard earned a bachelor's degree in speech pathology education from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master's degree in education from McNeese State University, and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Georgia.
