Q&A with David P. Roselle

Q. How has the University of Delaware changed since 1990?

Rather than comparing the current University to its earlier versions, I think it more important to listen to comparisons people at the University as well as our visitors make between our institution and others. Those comparisons are almost always favorable. In particular, our campus is said to be more beautiful, cleaner and better maintained; the faculty and staff are characterized as very capable, and devotion to students, especially undergraduates, is thought to be better to the point of being rather remarkable; the administration is correctly seen to be somewhat smaller than is the case for other institutions of our size but nonetheless supportive, responsive and nimble in ways that many other institutions are unable to match; and the students are seen as being afforded lots of special opportunities and taking advantage of them.

Q. How do you think the University stands in relation to the four goals you outlined early in your presidency?

It is measurable that the University has made marked improvements in all of those arenas—a more student-centered institution, competitive compensation for faculty and staff, increased scholarship and fellowship support and an improved living and learning environment—and, in the process, has passed a number of our competitor institutions. However, all four of these priorities have in common the fact that they can be addressed, but never fully solved. Neglect of any of them will result in a lesser and a less competitive University of Delaware.

Q. How has the student body changed?

Both current and former student bodies included a great many capable, committed and nice persons. However, the current students have been selected from applicant pools nearly twice the size of that in 1990. The current students have higher high school class ranks, better SAT scores and more experiences than was the case for earlier classes. The current student body is more engaged in service projects, more likely to serve in internships, far more likely to study abroad and more often active in extracurricular activities. Another change in the student body is a near doubling of the full-time graduate student population. As with undergraduates, graduate student admissions have become highly selective. That being said, it’s always helpful to remember that Francis Alison’s first class of only 10 individuals was a remarkably distinguished group, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Q. Is there a new initiative or project that you’ll be following closely?

Louise and I are thoroughly invested in the University of Delaware. We will look forward to hearing of, seeing and reading about each and every one of the successes of the students, staff, faculty and institution. We both hope and believe that, under the leadership of Emily and Pat Harker, there will be a great many such successes.

Q. Do you plan to stay involved with UD and higher education?  

Since learning of the good fortune of the University that Patrick Harker will be my successor, I have done what was possible to help assure the continued success of the University under his leadership. If called upon in retirement, I will always be available to work for the betterment of the University. I intend to continue to be an educator, albeit a retired one.  

Q. Why did you and Mrs. Roselle decide to remain in Delaware?

Louise’s and my belief is that Delaware is a great place and that anyone would be lucky to live here. Also, we are triply lucky in that Arthur Dowling, Louise’s father, and Cynthia and Trevor Koenig, our daughter and son-in-law, and their sons, Trevor and John, all reside in northern Delaware.

Q. If other universities asked for advice, what would you tell them?

They should start by putting a good leadership team in place. Next, they should give that team the charge to listen to and for ideas, especially those that originate with their staff and faculty. Finally, the leadership team should be given the ability to make necessary changes.

Q. In 1990, did you ever think you’d be here 17 years?

When I came to Delaware in 1990, there were some who opined that mine would be a short-term presidency. They did not know that I had been a very disappointed applicant in 1987 and that I was delighted to be elected to begin in 1990. What I knew in 1990 was that I would remain at the University so long as it was possible to be an active part of furthering the institution’s goals. Thanks to financial support from the trustees, legislators and many friends, to the willingness of the faculty and staff to share and embrace ideas and to remarkably hard-working and capable administrative colleagues, my criterion was more than satisfied.