'Feels like home': President-designate Blanchard visits campus
Cal State Long Beach’s next president, Loren J. Blanchard, introduced himself to campus Thursday with a daylong visit that began with a stop at a classroom full of aspiring teachers.
Here and elsewhere on campus, Blanchard extolled his appreciation for The Beach’s commitment to strong student outcomes.
“It feels like home,” said Blanchard, a lifelong educator who spent six years as executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs for the California State University before assuming the presidency of University of Houston-Downtown. “Coming back not only to the city, but also your strong influence on student success, this feels like the right place to be.”
Blanchard’s day at The Beach followed his late January appointment to 's presidency. He is scheduled to begin May 1 and spent his day on campus getting acquainted with students and faculty.
His itinerary started at a College of Education class where, with the eyes of students upon him, Blanchard affirmed that he will be attentive to the more than 42,000 students enrolled at The Beach.
"We support you and, more importantly, we are here to get you to the finish line," Blanchard said.
Blanchard's tour went on to cover much of campus. He visited University Library, attended the 27th annual MLK Celebration, stopped by an Academic Senate meeting and visited student-athletes wearing gold practice uniforms at Jack Rose Track.
“We are the standard in the Big West,” Track and Field Coach LaTanya Sheffield said while showing Blanchard around the venue.
"I would expect nothing less,” Blanchard replied.
Blanchard’s tour concluded with a celebration at the Parkside North residence hall. Taking group photos with students, he also proclaimed during a short address that The Beach is a beacon of student success with an ethos that inspires achievements “beyond excellence.”
“I am very excited to be able to join this community,” he said.
