University of Delaware president plans to step down after this semester
The move by the nine-year university leader comes less than a week after a 24-year-old graduate student was killed by a fleeing U-Haul van that struck several other students and cars along Main Street on April 29. More broadly, the university's 28th president also exits during a period of continued uncertainty, as the Trump administration had previously revoked records of at least eight international students, threatened research funding and targeted UD in a March investigation into "racial preferences."
"As we will forever value and cherish fond memories of all of you, this was not an easy decision," the president wrote in a letter to the UD community on May 5, speaking also for his wife, Eleni.
His Monday-morning letter said he had "made the meaningful contributions" he set out to make as president, and now is "the appropriate moment" for a leadership transition. UD's announcement did not spell out other reasons for the June 30 exit.
'UD is a remarkable place with a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary inspiration to reimagine what's possible in higher education," Assanis said in a written statement. "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 credited the outgoing administrator with "advancing the University to new levels of accomplishment, promise and potential," despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and its fallout.
This year, the university is ranked No. 26 among 500 U.S. colleges and universities – up 60 spots from the year before – in The Wall Street Journal/Pulse Rankings, and No. 86 among 434 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. Earlier this spring, UD's top-ranked graduate programs announced by the same outlet included 13 programs in the top 50.
Assanis came to Newark from New York's Stony Brook University, per UD, after a a distinguished career at the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
In its announcement, UD noted Assanis led over boosts to student aid, enhancements in student life and growth of UD's research, which was catalyzed by his help in securing UD as headquarters for the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals. In 2023, the UD also made its move to Conference USA, under Assanis' leadership. The list of contributions goes on, also detailed in a UDaily sendoff.
The leader of the university's Dover neighbor also reacted to the announcement.
"President Assanis has been a strong leader of the University of Delaware, my alma mater – and has become a great friend and colleague during challenging times for higher education," Delaware State University President Tony Allen said Monday evening.
"I have seen his leadership firsthand and know how much UD's ascension has benefitted from Dennis' tenacity and wisdom and wife Eleni's indomitable spirit. ... Godspeed, Mr. President!"
According to the university, news of an interim president to serve beginning July 1 is coming soon.
When is graduation? The latest 2025 commencement breakdown across Delaware universities
(This story was updated to add more information.)
Got a story? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on X @kpowers01.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: UD President Dennis Assanis announces he will step down
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