Edward Arthur Trabant received his B.A. from Occidental College in 1941 and his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology. Prior to his term as President of the University of Delaware, Dr. Trabant held positions at Purdue University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

President Trabant served two terms as President of the University of Delaware, 1968-87 and 1988-90. From 1987-1988, he held a position as Professor of Mathematics at the University of Delaware. In 1990, upon the appointment of David Roselle as President, Dr. Trabant was named President Emeritus.

Trabant’s Presidency stands as one of the most successful in the University’s history. He steered the University through the turbulent years of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Women’s Liberation Movement. Dr. Trabant has received numerous awards commending his accomplishments in the areas of equal rights education and programming.

During Trabant’s first term, enrollment at the University doubled, the North Campus buildings were constructed, and the University of Delaware was established as a Sea Grant Institution, which led to the establishment of the College of Marine Studies in Lewes. Further, the Divisions of Urban Affairs and Physical Education were both established as independent Colleges, the University Honors Program and the Winter Session were instituted, and the Institute of Energy Conversion was established.

More on President E.A. Trabant

E.A. Trabant by Daniel E. Greene

"Presidential Profiles" an article from The Messenger

The University of Delaware: A History by Dr John A. Munroe

E. Arthur Trabant Award for Women's Equity