Past Presidents
Dennis Assanis became the 28th president of the University of Delaware on June 6, 2016. Formerly provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Stony Brook University in New York, he was elected by a unanimous vote of UD’s Board of Trustees in November 2015.
With a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success, a drive to expand world-class research, scholarship and innovation, and a determination to translate knowledge into beneficial impact for all, Dr. Assanis energized the University as a hub for global education and engagement, expanding resources and opportunities for students, faculty and staff to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Assanis is a distinguished educator with a wide range of academic leadership experience and a worldwide reputation as a scholar and expert in both fundamental and applied studies of internal combustion engines and energy systems. Before joining Stony Brook University, he had a distinguished career at the University of Michigan for 17 years.
Dr. Assanis was inducted as a member of the National Academy of Engineers in 2008 for his scientific contributions to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions of internal combustion engines, and for promoting automotive engineering education. He holds five patents and has directed more than $100 million in research grants and contracts.
He holds an honors bachelor of science degree with distinction in marine engineering from Newcastle University in England and four degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology: a master of science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering and a master of science in mechanical engineering, a master of science in management from the Sloan School of Management and a doctorate in power and propulsion.
Dr. Nancy Targett served as acting president of the University of Delaware from 2015 to 2016; the Board of Trustees later removed "acting" from her title to make her UD's 27th president.
A member of the UD faculty since 1984, Targett previously served as dean of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and director of the Delaware Sea Grant College Program.
A nationally recognized marine chemical ecologist and expert on ocean issues, she was a past chair of the Board of Trustees of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership and served as an officer of the Sea Grant College Association, a national network of 32 Sea Grant College Programs.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she earned her master's degree in marine science at the University of Miami and her doctorate in oceanography at the University of Maine.
Dr. Patrick T. Harker became the 26th president of the University of Delaware on July 1, 2007. He also served as professor of business administration and professor of civil and environmental engineering.
Before coming to UD, Harker was dean of the Wharton School and Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise at the University of Pennsylvania. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering, a master's degree in economics and a doctorate in civil and urban engineering, all from the University of Pennsylvania.
David P. Roselle was named the 25th president of the University of Delaware in May 1990 and continued in his role until his retirement in 2007 .
Prior to his 17-year tenure at UD, Dr. Roselle served on the faculties of the University of Maryland, Louisiana State University and Virginia Polytechnic and State University, where he also held several administrative posts, including that of provost. He became president of the University of Kentucky in 1987, serving for nearly three years there before coming to UD.
Dr. Roselle received his Ph.D. in mathematics from Duke University and completed his undergraduate education at West Chester University.