Wilmington, DE -- U.S. Sen. Chris Coons released this statement following the news that the University of Delaware’s Board of Trustees voted today to name Dennis Assanis president of the university:

“Congratulations to the University of Delaware community on the naming of the University of Delaware's new president, Dennis Assanis,” said Sen. Coons.

“I want to thank interim president Nancy Targett for taking up the position and holding the office during the search. She has done an excellent job in helping to guide the process. I look forward to working with her and her team again when she returns as the head of the College of Earth, Ocean & Environment.

“I welcome President Assanis to Delaware and to the University community. I look forward to working with him and his administration on advancing the University's academic excellence and internationally known research facilities as well as working together to address challenges at UD,  such as college accessibility, affordability, and student diversity.”