Dennis Assanis, former president of the University of Delaware, has been appointed as the sixth chancellor of UC Santa Barbara. He will assume the role on Sept. 1.
Assanis earned three master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Photo Courtesy of the University of Delaware
Earlier today, the University of California Board of Regents approved Assanis as the next chancellor of the university. According to the announcement, he served as the president of the University of Delaware (UD) since 2016 and stepped down in June.
“I am truly honored and thrilled to serve as the next chancellor of UC Santa Barbara,” Assanis said in the announcement. “I am particularly excited about UC Santa Barbara’s exceptional academic reputation, amazing students and boundless potential to be recognized among the top public universities, building on the celebrated achievements of its distinguished faculty and dedicated staff.”
According to the announcement, Assanis spearheaded research at UD, increasing total research expenditures from $176 million in 2016 to $466 million in 2024. Assanis also oversaw the creation of UD’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) campus.
In 2022, former President Joe Biden appointed Assanis to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. The advisory group makes policy recommendations to the administration relating to science and technology and how it affects the economy, education, public health and other sectors.
“Dr. Assanis is the right person to lead UC Santa Barbara into the future,” UC President Michael V. Drake said in the announcement. “His deep understanding of the power of interdisciplinary work combined with his energy, insight and strategic vision will blend perfectly with the excellence of UC Santa Barbara students, faculty and staff as they address the world’s most urgent challenges.”
At UD, Assanis introduced the First State Promise program, which awards financial packages to freshmen with a family income of less than $35,000, covering most up-front costs including tuition, student fees, housing and food expenses. Additionally, students with a family income between $35,000 and $75,000 are eligible for financial aid that covers tuition and mandatory fees.
Upon assuming his role as chancellor, Assanis will receive a salary of $880,000. During his final year, former chancellor Henry T. Yang received a salary of $820,000 after the Board of Regents voted last fall to significantly increase compensation for the UC chancellors and president.
Assanis earned his bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from Newcastle University in England and has three master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in naval architecture and marine engineering, mechanical engineering and management. Additionally, he earned a doctorate from MIT in power and propulsion.
Currently, David Marshall, former executive vice chancellor at UCSB, is serving as the interim chancellor. Henry T. Yang stepped down on July 14, bringing his 31-year tenure to a close.
“Fostering a culture of innovation, academic excellence and student success has been my core focus as a public university leader. My wife, Eleni, and I are excited to join the vibrant and welcoming Santa Barbara community,” Assanis concluded.
You are not qualified Assanis and you must refuse the position. You don’t understand the nature of UCSB Mafia. You are unwilling to confront UCSB mafia. You haven’t any vision and so you will do nothing about the housing crunch, nothing about the big stink, nothing about UCSB Mafia unaccountable criminal activity, nothing about reduction of tuition, increase in enrollment, increased quality and increased profit. You are a dinosaur dedicated to preserving the old 17th Century bricks and mortar model of academia. Stay away. The moment you touch UCSB, you become UCSB Mafia. You should have done your homework.
Assanis, don’t forget. UCSB is the Center of Evil in the Universe today. No university in the history of the world has betrayed the human species and Truth more than UCSB. UCSB is an unaccountable criminal mafia organization. Questions: Are you a Jew? Are you a Zionist? Are you a Citizen of the United States? Do you have dual citizenship with any other country? If so, which one? Who do you think did 9-11? Do you think there should be an Independent 9-11 Investigation? Do you think an investigation of the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty should be established?… Read more »