UC Santa Barbara appoints Doctor Dennis Asanas as new chancellor effective September 1

In a pivotal meeting held by the University of California Board of Regents, the appointment of Dr. Dennis Asanas as the new chancellor of UC Santa Barbara was officially approved. This decision follows a comprehensive nationwide search that involved extensive input from various stakeholders, including students, faculty, and community members.

Dr. Asanas, who previously served as president of the University of Delaware, is recognized for his significant contributions to research and innovation. Under his leadership, the University of Delaware saw a remarkable increase in research expenditures, growing from $176 million in 2016 to $466 million in 2024. His efforts also included the establishment of a state-of-the-art research campus that fostered job creation and advanced research in biopharmaceuticals.

Pending board approval, Dr. Asanas is set to assume his role on September 1, 2025, with a proposed annual base salary of $880,000, placing him in the 49th percentile of the market reference zone for this position. The board expressed confidence in Dr. Asanas's qualifications, particularly his commitment to student success and academic excellence.

The meeting highlighted the collaborative nature of the search process, with President Drake emphasizing the thoroughness of the committee's work and the quality of candidates considered. Dr. Asanas's appointment marks a significant step for UC Santa Barbara, as he aims to enhance the university's reputation and academic standing.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Asanas expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the university's exceptional academic reputation and potential for growth. His leadership is anticipated to usher in a new chapter for UC Santa Barbara, aligning with the university's goals of excellence in education and research.