President's Report 2021
A MESSAGE FROM UD PRESIDENT DENNIS ASSANIS
The future — of digital education, of remote work, of urgent social change, of disruptive technology, of global connectivity — is here. The coronavirus pandemic and its evolving demands have accelerated the pace of change at the University of Delaware and throughout the world. At UD, we have done far more than adapt. We have thrived, and we are shaping our own place in this dynamic landscape.
Some of the highlights of our accomplishments during this past year are summarized in this report:
Rising to the challenge of COVID-19, we have worked diligently to protect our community, carry on our academic mission and advance the fight against this unprecedented disease.
Ensuring the success of our students through our innovative academic programs and services, we are especially proud that UD’s four-year graduation rate is fourth highest in the nation among all primarily residential four-year public institutions.
Creating leaders for today and tomorrow, from our Blue Hens in the White House and the National Academy of Engineering to our diverse and global community of scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs, we are serving the needs of society with dedication and pride.
Building a better future for all, we are expanding faculty excellence, redefining the college classroom, pioneering critical discoveries and innovation, and growing our beautiful campus while reimagining a boundless 21st century university.
As UD and the world emerge from the pandemic, we remain focused on the opportunities ahead. Yesterday’s “future” is now, and we are already planning ahead to harness the limitless possibilities of tomorrow.
Dennis Assanis
President, University of Delaware
Our Resilient Community
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73%
Four-year graduation rate, ranking in top 10 among primarily residential public universities in U.S.
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33,656
Undergraduate applications for fall 2020, a record
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26%
Delaware-resident undergraduates from underrepresented minority groups
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$171.5 million
Sponsored research expenditures, up 23% since 2016
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32nd
Research spending among about 500 universities without a medical school
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$500 million
Investment by UD and its public, private and nonprofit partners in the STAR Campus
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1st
Created the nation’s first study-abroad program in 1923
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200+
Global partnerships to foster collaboration and exchange
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4,000+
International students, scholars and families call UD home
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
OF COVID-19
During the historic COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Delaware leveraged its unique resources — its dedicated people, its stature as a top-tier research institution, its culture of partnership and collaboration, its role as Delaware’s land-grant flagship university, among others — to overcome a multitude of challenges in 2020.
ENSURING THE SUCCESS
OF OUR STUDENTS
A rigorous and purposeful academic experience has always been a hallmark of the University of Delaware, where our students’ success is reflected in their accomplishments both in and out of the classroom.
Our vibrant and growing faculty continues to challenge students, while opening new fields of research and discovery. We have redoubled our commitment to scholarly excellence at UD, as well as extending our reach to prepare students before they even apply for admission and serve alumni and adult learners throughout their lives.
The University of Delaware cultivates leaders who are thoughtful, inclusive and creative, whether they are working in small communities or on the world stage.
With an unwavering focus on the future, the University of Delaware continues to invest time, talent and resources in exploration and discovery for the benefit of future generations.
