UD President Dennis Assanis to Step Down
Image courtesy University of Delaware
University of Delaware President, Dennis Assanis, has announced that he will step down on June 30th. Assanis, UD’s 28th president, has led the University since 2016. Board of Trustees Chair Terri Kelly says that the announcement of an interim president to serve beginning July 1st will be forthcoming.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis announced he would step down as president effective June 30th:
“President Dennis Assanis is a scientific leader himself, a patent holder and innovator, and a transformational leader for the University of Delaware. Since 2016, he has brought a focus to the university on steady investment and improvement in the quality of campus research facilities, on the competitiveness of student admissions, on the quality of research—both federally and privately funded—and on the general future of the University of Delaware.
“Dennis and his beloved wife Eleni have been a constant presence not just on UD’s campus, but throughout Delaware. As someone whose aspirations and vision for the future of the University of Delaware and its role in our state have been to constantly press for more, for greater, for better, his particular focus on the STAR campus and NIIMBL—the National Institute for Innovation in the Manufacturing of Biopharmaceuticals—and in collaborative research has elevated UD dramatically and has resulted in lasting and positive change for the better.Â
“My entire family and I express our deep gratitude to President Assanis for his tireless, energetic, effective, and innovative leadership of the University of Delaware. He has been one of the most important presidents in the history of the university, and I wish him well in his next chapter.”
Additional information from UD Daily:
Assanis, UD’s 28th president, led the University with a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success, a drive to expand world-class research, scholarship and innovation, and a determination to translate knowledge into beneficial impact for all. As a distinguished educator, renowned scholar and seasoned administrator, Assanis has energized the University as a hub for global education and engagement, expanding resources and opportunities for students, faculty and staff to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“My wife, Eleni, and I are so grateful to everyone in the University of Delaware community, whom it has been my distinct honor to serve as president. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and pride,” said Assanis. “UD is a remarkable place with a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary inspiration to re-imagine what’s possible in higher education. I will forever treasure my experience of leading such an extraordinary institution defined by amazing students, talented faculty, dedicated staff and a vast network of loyal alumni and friends who support its mission.”
Board of Trustees Chair Terri Kelly said, “I want to thank Dennis Assanis for his inspiring leadership and service as the University of Delaware’s 28th president. His tireless commitment and bold vision have been transformative, advancing the University to new levels of accomplishment, promise and potential. As we look ahead to the next chapter in the University’s leadership, President Assanis’ legacy of purpose-driven, positive change will forever have an impact on UD’s continued future of institutional excellence. We wish him and Eleni nothing but the best for their future.”