UHD President Loren J. Blanchard

Dear UHD Community,

This week, the University of Houston System Board of Regents officially confirmed my appointment as University of Houston-Downtown President. I am honored to join UHD as its seventh President and eager to work alongside you—faculty, students, staff and alumni—in moving this remarkable institution toward even greater levels of educational excellence and community impact.

I join UHD at a most unique time … a span in which many of you have been working and learning remotely due to COVID-19. It has been a period that has tested us all, and indeed, our institutions and our communities. In due time, I hope to meet everyone in person. For the time being, however, I look forward to interacting with our community virtually to begin listening, learning and getting to work as University President.

My first day at UHD is scheduled for March 15. In the meantime, I will begin the process of relocating to your wonderful city. I know Houston will be a perfect home for my family and me and that UHD will provide a welcoming environment as we make this transition.

I'd like to offer my special thanks to UHS Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator, the Board of Regents, the Presidential Search Committee and, of course, all of you for your confidence and support. I also offer gratitude to UHD's Interim President Antonio D. Tillis for his steadfast leadership and great care he has given to the campus community over the past several months.

I am highly enthusiastic about officially joining UHD very soon and look forward to meeting the greater Gator community!

Sincerely,

Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.
Incoming UHD President