Laura Carlson Appointed as Next President at University of Delaware
Image courtesy University of Delaware
There’s a new woman in charge at the University of Delaware. The Board of Trustees have voted to appoint Laura A. Carlson as the University’s 29th president – effective January 1, 2026. Carlson is a distinguished educator, researcher and administrator with over 30 years of experience in higher education.
The announcement was made during the Board’s semiannual meeting on Tuesday following an extensive University-wide initiative throughout the fall semester to consider the qualities and qualifications needed by the University’s next president.
Carlson has been at UD since 2022 – joining as provost after more than 25 years at the University of Notre Dame. She was appointed interim president in July after former President Dennis Assanis stepped down.
Additional information from UD:
Chair Terri Kelly said the feedback and perspective of the UD community showed that Carlson would be an ideal choice as the University’s next president.
“Since joining UD in 2022, Dr. Carlson has demonstrated a deep commitment to the advancement of our University and a clear passion for the success and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said Terri Kelly, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Carlson is an outstanding leader, and a role model for the values and beliefs we want to reinforce. We are thrilled that she will be guiding the University of Delaware into our next phase of growth and impact on the world.”
“It has been such a privilege and joy to have served as interim president these past six months. This role is a lifestyle, not a job, and I am truly honored to now serve as president so that we can continue what we have started together. I am so grateful for the support, confidence and engagement I have received from the Board of Trustees, the campus community, and Blue Hens everywhere,” Carlson said.
“I have fallen in love with UD, and I am deeply committed to its purpose and people. Together we can make the University of Delaware a place where we inquire with impact, create with connections, innovate with intention, grow with purpose, welcome with promise, educate with outcomes, work with trust, and belong with joy. I so look forward to our work together to put this vision into action.”