Editor's note: University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis shared the following message with the UD community.

September 22, 2017

To the University Community:

I would like to share with our campus community that Provost Domenico Grasso has made a personal decision to step down from his current role effective October 15, 2017. Domenico came to UD in 2013 and has made significant contributions to our institutional leadership. For the past four years, he has helped advance UD's commitment to cultivate compelling programs of instruction, research and service for the community. In his role as provost, Domenico has led several key initiatives at UD, including the creation of the Division of Enrollment Management, as well as the development of University-wide programs ranging from entrepreneurship to humanities, social science and arts programs. He has also spearheaded core institutional programs to cultivate community engagement, diversity and inclusive excellence, advances in cybersecurity and smart cities, and leadership in faculty affairs, among many other accomplishments.

I want to take this opportunity to personally thank Domenico for all he has done for our faculty, staff, and students. His leadership and dedication have been invaluable to the University, and I am happy to share that he will not be going far. Following his current assignment, Domenico will return to the faculty after a one-year administrative leave. His future plans include developing the program in engineering and environmental policy with specific emphasis in Smart Cities, serving both the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences.

A search committee will be formed to identify appropriate candidates who can continue to advance change, enhance leadership, and collaborate with colleagues across the campus to take our great University to the next level.

In order to sustain our momentum for progress, I plan to name an Interim Provost next week.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis
President