Provost Laura Carlson named interim president of University of Delaware

The University of Delaware announced that Provost Laura Carlson will assume the role of interim president, effective July 1, following the departure of current president Dennis Assanis.

“I am grateful to President Assanis for his vision and dedicated service. Since coming to the University of Delaware three years ago, I have fallen in love with UD — the passion of our students, the brilliance and enduring commitment of our faculty and staff, and our close-knit Blue Hen community that extends from campus throughout the state and beyond,” Carlson said.

The appointment was confirmed by Board of Trustees Chair Terri Kelly, who praised Carlson’s leadership and academic experience.

“Provost Carlson has graciously accepted this assignment from the Board,” Kelly said. “With her leadership experience and background in higher education administration, she is an excellent choice to take on this vital role. She and President Assanis will be working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.”

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Assanis, who has served as the University’s 28th president since 2016, announced his plans to step down on June 30.

Carlson, who joined UD in 2022 as its 12th provost, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the institution during the transition period.

According to Kelly, the board will launch a national search for a permanent president during the upcoming academic year.

As provost, Carlson has played a central role in advancing the University’s academic mission.

Her initiatives have included integrating long-term financial, enrollment and hiring strategies, expanding academic offerings, and fostering innovation through programs like the New Program Incubator and the One Idea, One Slide Summit.

She has also been an advocate for improving academic spaces and creating flexible pathways for students to complete their degrees.

Before joining UD, Carlson held multiple leadership roles over more than two decades at the University of Notre Dame.

Her career there included service as vice president, associate provost, and dean of the Graduate School, where she emphasized holistic student development and strategic planning.

An expert in spatial cognition, Carlson holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is widely published in her field.

She has served on editorial boards of leading cognitive science journals and governing boards of professional societies.

The transition marks a pivotal moment for the University as it begins the process of identifying its next permanent leader.

“I am honored and humbled to be stepping in to guide this very special institution, and I thank the Board of Trustees for their confidence and support,” Carlson said. “I look forward to convening campus conversations this summer and fall to reaffirm our mission and identity and to together design a path forward that is uniquely our own.”