President's Report 2022

Connecting Our Purpose

A MESSAGE FROM UD PRESIDENT DENNIS ASSANIS

UD President, Dennis Assanis

The University of Delaware thrives on constant renewal, fueled by the fresh perspectives and inspired ambitions of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. The past two years have prompted all higher education institutions to reevaluate the ways we teach, learn, work and explore. At this inflection moment for our world, we embrace new opportunities to strengthen the relationship between insight, values and focus to advance the University’s fundamental goals — Connecting Our Purpose — to carry on our proud legacy of scholarship and impact. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to make Enhancing Student Success a top priority — meeting students where they are, both academically and geographically, to ensure they realize their full potential now and in the post-pandemic future. As our society continually evolves, the University is shaping this dynamic landscape by Advancing Social Justice with a vibrant intercultural community, by Collaborating Across Boundaries to unite  global citizenship with impact, and by Accelerating Innovation among our visionary world-changers. Our distinguished faculty, dedicated staff and modern research campus — Inspiring People, Inspirational Places — activate our mission to create new knowledge and innovate new solutions to  the world’s most complex problems while serving others.

While the pandemic and society’s response to it will continue to bring uncertainty, I firmly believe higher education can look forward to exciting opportunities for growth and progress. As President of the University of Delaware, I could not be more optimistic about our bold future together.
 

Dennis Assanis
President, University of Delaware

Enhancing Student Success

 

COVID-19 continues to reshape education and the workplace, and the University of Delaware is embracing its lessons about reaching, teaching and serving our students, wherever they are.

Building pathways to lifelong education

73% four-year graduation rate, ranking in the top 10 among public universities in the U.S.
21% increase in graduate enrollment since 2016
$155 million: undergraduate financial aid estimate for 2021-22, up 71% since 2016
#38 ranking among public universities (U.S. News and World Report)

Advancing Social Justice

 

The pandemic laid bare myriad inequalities in society, so the University of Delaware remains committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our community. 

Bridging cultural divides and strengthening relationships

16% increase in underrepresented minority undergraduates since 2016
59% increase in underrepresented minority graduate students since 2016
32% increase in full-time faculty who are Black or Hispanic since 2016
>70% six-year graduation rates for Black and Hispanic students, far above average for public institutions nationwide

Collaborating Across Boundaries

 

The most complex challenges facing society require solutions that span academic disciplines and geographic borders. As the University of Delaware nears the 100th anniversary of its pioneering study abroad program, developing collaborative global citizens is more important than ever.

Bridging boundaries

16% share of faculty with interdisciplinary expertise and resources as joint/secondary appointments or part of cluster hires
200+ academic, research or service partnerships around the world
$48 million: research spending by interdisciplinary institutes in FY2021 to explore clean energy, data science, public policy, and more
1/3 students who study abroad during their time at UD

Accelerating Innovation

 

Expressing ourselves in novel ways and finding sustainable solutions to complex challenges begin with questioning the status quo and exploring new ideas, especially as we reimagine a post-pandemic world. That’s not just our goal at the University of Delaware; it’s our culture.

Integrating creativity for new paradigms

$184+ million: Sponsored research in 2020-21, up 32% since 2016
500+ inventions by UD researchers in the past decade, with 42% of patents involving a female inventor
8th: ranking of UD's entrepreneurship studies programs in the Northeast (The Princeton Review)
1,600+: Students from 115 majors who participate in Horn Entrepreneurship programs

Inspiring People,

Inspirational Places

 

The pandemic reminded everyone of the value of outstanding people and  places, even while prompting a fresh look at the workforce and the workplace of the future. With endless opportunities ahead, we are committed to extending the reach and impact of the University of Delaware around the world.

Invigorating our community for a sustainable future

30%: Share of faculty joining UD since 2016, bringing fresh perspectives to our distinguished ranks
40 professorships and chair funds created by the Delaware First campaign
15 Electric-vehicle charging stations on campus, part of UD's commitment to sustainable energy research and service
$500 million: Investment by UD and its public, private and nonprofit partners in the STAR Campus