California State University , Long Beach Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

California State University , Long Beach has 6 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, information technology, foundation management, academic scholarship, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence, California State University , Long Beach provides diverse degree programs while fostering a transformative educational environment for students across the region.

Leadership Roles at California State University , Long Beach

  • Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach) - Kevin Crowe
  • President's Scholar - Austin Carrell
  • President - Loren Blanchard
  • President - Rodney Steiner
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Evelyn Klaus
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Min Yao
  • Kevin Crowe - Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach)

    Kevin Crowe, the Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach) at California State University , Long Beach, manages the financial and operational health of the foundation supporting university initiatives. Crowe directs fundraising operations and oversees the allocation of resources to various academic programs and student scholarships. The Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach) ensures compliance with fiscal regulations while maximizing the impact of philanthropic contributions. Kevin Crowe coordinates with the Board to align foundation activities with the long-term strategic goals of the university. By optimizing asset management and donor relations, the Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach) secures the financial stability required for institutional expansion. This role involves rigorous oversight of endowment funds and operational budgets. Through disciplined financial stewardship, Crowe supports the university's mission, ensuring that resources effectively reach students and faculty to foster innovation and academic achievement across the entire campus community.
    Kevin Crowe

    Austin Carrell - President's Scholar

    Austin Carrell, the President's Scholar at California State University , Long Beach, represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and student leadership within the university. Carrell engages in high-level research projects and serves as a liaison between the student body and the administration. The President's Scholar drives initiatives that promote intellectual curiosity and community involvement across the campus. Austin Carrell participates in strategic discussions regarding student life and academic policy, providing a unique perspective on the undergraduate experience. By maintaining exceptional academic standards, the President's Scholar inspires peers to pursue excellence in their respective fields of study. This role involves representing the university at regional academic conferences and public events. Through active participation in campus governance, Carrell contributes to the development of programs that enhance the overall student experience. Ultimately, the President's Scholar embodies the university's commitment to fostering future leaders through rigorous academic training and meaningful community engagement.

    Loren Blanchard - President

    Loren Blanchard, the President at California State University , Long Beach, defines the overarching strategic vision and academic mission for the entire institution. Blanchard directs the university's long-term growth, focusing on expanding access to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. The President oversees all academic and administrative departments, ensuring alignment with the university's core values of excellence and inclusivity. Loren Blanchard manages relationships with state government officials and community stakeholders to secure funding and support for institutional initiatives. By championing innovative research and teaching methodologies, the President elevates the university's reputation within the California higher education system. This leadership role involves making critical decisions regarding faculty recruitment, campus infrastructure, and student support services. Through consistent engagement with the Board and executive leadership, Blanchard drives the university toward its goal of providing transformative educational opportunities. The President ensures that every operational decision supports the ultimate objective of student success and regional economic development.
    Loren Blanchard

    Rodney Steiner - President

    Rodney Steiner, the President at California State University , Long Beach, focuses on the operational execution of academic programs and the enhancement of campus-wide research capabilities. Steiner directs the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to improve student retention and graduation rates across all degree levels. The President oversees the development of new academic partnerships and ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to evolving industry demands. Rodney Steiner manages the university's internal governance structures, fostering a culture of collaboration among faculty and administrative staff. By prioritizing the expansion of Doctoral and Master's programs, the President strengthens the university's position as a leader in advanced education. This role involves constant monitoring of institutional performance metrics and the adjustment of strategies to meet changing market needs. Through dedicated leadership, Steiner ensures that the university remains a hub for intellectual growth, directly contributing to the professional success of students and the broader community.

    Evelyn Klaus - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Evelyn Klaus, the Deputy Chief of Staff at California State University , Long Beach, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Klaus directs internal communications and ensures alignment between executive directives and university-wide operational goals. By streamlining complex bureaucratic processes, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances organizational efficiency across the campus. Evelyn Klaus facilitates strategic planning sessions, providing critical support to the leadership team during major institutional transitions. This role involves monitoring project timelines and maintaining rigorous standards for administrative output. Through meticulous oversight of daily operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of delivering quality higher education. Klaus maintains constant communication with various academic departments to ensure consistent policy implementation. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives operational excellence, allowing the university to focus on student success and academic growth within the competitive California education landscape.

    Min Yao - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Min Yao, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at California State University , Long Beach, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern academic research and student services. Yao oversees the deployment of scalable cloud solutions and robust cybersecurity frameworks across the entire campus network. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives the integration of advanced learning technologies, ensuring faculty and students possess the tools necessary for success in a digital-first environment. Min Yao manages large-scale IT budgets and coordinates with external technology partners to maintain high-performance systems. By optimizing data management protocols, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer secures sensitive institutional information while facilitating seamless access to digital resources. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain the university's competitive edge. Through strategic investment in infrastructure, Yao ensures the reliability of digital platforms, directly impacting the quality of education provided to the diverse student body.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding California State University , Long Beach Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads California State University , Long Beach?
    California State University , Long Beach is led by Kevin Crowe (Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach)), along with executives such as Austin Carrell (President's Scholar) and Loren Blanchard (President).
    Who is part of California State University , Long Beach’s executive team?
    The executive team of California State University , Long Beach includes leaders such as Kevin Crowe (Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach)), Austin Carrell (President's Scholar), Loren Blanchard (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does California State University , Long Beach have?
    California State University , Long Beach has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in California State University , Long Beach’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of California State University , Long Beach includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, The State Foundation (Long Beach), President's Scholar, President, President, Deputy Chief of Staff.