Dennis Assanis, a distinguished engineer and academic leader, has been appointed as the sixth chancellor of UC Santa Barbara, effective September 1, 2025, succeeding Henry Yang after nearly three decades of leadership.

Assanis, born in Greece, brings an extensive academic background with degrees from Newcastle University and MIT, including a Ph.D. in Power and Propulsion, and has held positions at institutions like Stony Brook University and the University of Michigan.

Prior to his appointment at UCSB, Assanis served as president of the University of Delaware from 2016 to June 2025, where he significantly increased research expenditures from $176 million to $466 million and managed a $1.35 billion operating budget.

During his tenure at UD, Assanis launched the Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) campus, which hosts major research facilities including the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), and raised over $1 billion through a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

He also prioritized student success, achieving a four-year graduation rate of 73% and initiating programs like the First State Promise to support low-income students.

Assanis's leadership at UD was marked by a focus on research growth, especially in health, life sciences, and clean hydrogen, which contributed to his recognition by the UC Regents, who highlighted his contributions to science and engineering.

His appointment comes at a challenging time for the UC system, which faces issues such as a hiring freeze, austerity measures, and a shortage of student housing, amid increasing enrollment pressure.

Assanis's salary as UCSB chancellor will be $880,000, slightly higher than his predecessor Henry Yang's, reflecting his extensive experience and leadership credentials.

UC President Michael V. Drake expressed confidence in Assanis’s strategic vision and his understanding of interdisciplinary work, emphasizing his commitment to innovation and student success.

Assanis has been recognized for his contributions to science and engineering, including election to the National Academy of Engineering and service on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.