History of University of Delaware in Timeline

The University of Delaware (UD) is a state-assisted, land-grant research university located primarily in Newark, Delaware. It's the largest university in Delaware, with over 24,000 students as of 2023. UD offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, across its numerous colleges and schools. In addition to its main Newark campus, UD has satellite locations throughout Delaware.

1914: Women's College Opened

In 1914, the Women's College opened on an adjoining campus, offering degrees in Home Economics, Education, and Arts and Sciences.

1915: George F. Kelly's Graduation

In 1915, George F. Kelly, the composer of "The Delaware Fight Song", graduated from the University of Delaware.

1918: Marian Cruger Coffin Appointed Landscape Architect

In 1918, Marian Cruger Coffin was appointed as the university's landscape architect.

1921: Delaware College Renamed

In 1921, Delaware College was renamed the University of Delaware.

1923: First Formal Study-Abroad Program

In 1923, the University of Delaware initiated the first formal, for-credit study-abroad program in the United States, which later became a model for other institutions. Professor Raymond Watson Kirkbride led a group of eight students to Paris, France, during the fall semester.

1933: "The Delaware Fight Song" Appears in Student Handbook

In 1933, "The Delaware Fight Song" first appeared in the Student Handbook. It was composed by alumnus George F. Kelly.

1945: Became a Coeducational Institution

In 1945, the University of Delaware officially became a coeducational institution through a merger with the Women's College of Delaware.

1946: First Doctoral Programs Approved

In 1946, the first doctoral programs at UD, in chemical engineering and chemistry, were approved.

1948: First Doctorate Awarded

In 1948, the university awarded its first doctorate, in chemical engineering.

1950: Daniel Nathans earns B.S.

In 1950, Daniel Nathans, who would later become a Nobel Prize-winning microbiologist, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware.

1952: Marian Cruger Coffin's tenure ends

In 1952, Marian Cruger Coffin's tenure as the university's landscape architect ended after uniting the men's and women's campuses.

1957: Henry C Brinton earns B.S.

In 1957, Henry C Brinton, who would become Director of Research Division at NASA, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Delaware.

1962: Edgar N. Johnson Swims for Delaware

Edgar N. Johnson began swimming for Delaware in 1962.

1965: Joe Biden earns B.A.

In 1965, Joe Biden, who would later become the 46th President of the United States and 47th Vice President, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

1966: Edgar N. Johnson Completes Swimming for Delaware

Edgar N. Johnson completed swimming for Delaware in 1966.

1972: Institute of Energy Conversion Established

In 1972, Karl Boer established the Institute of Energy Conversion at the University of Delaware, pioneering research on thin film solar cells.

1975: James W. Wagner earns B.A.

In 1975, James W. Wagner, who would become the president of Emory University, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

1976: Jill Biden earns B.A.

In 1976, Jill Biden, who would later become the First Lady of the United States, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

1979: Sam Glasscock III earns B.A.

In 1979, Sam Glasscock III, who would become Vice Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Delaware.

1983: Women's Lacrosse Team Wins NCAA National Championship

In 1983, the University of Delaware Women's Division I Lacrosse team won the NCAA National Championship.

1984: Chris Christie earns B.A.

In 1984, Chris Christie, who would later become the Governor of New Jersey, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

1984: Edgar N. Johnson Appointed Director of Athletics

In 1984, Edgar N. Johnson was appointed as the Director of Athletics at the University of Delaware, serving until 2009.

1987: Rich Gannon earns B.A.

In 1987, Rich Gannon, who was later named 2002 NFL MVP, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

1988: Louise Mushikiwabo earns M.A.

In 1988, Louise Mushikiwabo, who would become the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, earned her Master of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

1989: Sam Glasscock III earns M.M.P.

In 1989, Sam Glasscock III, who would become Vice Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery, earned a Master of Marine Policy degree from the University of Delaware.

1993: Steve Schmidt earns B.A.

In 1993, Steve Schmidt, who would become the 2008 John McCain campaign manager, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

1993: Harvard Study on High-Risk Drinking at UD

In 1993, a study by the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that high-risk drinking at the University of Delaware exceeded the national norm, with a majority of students reporting binge drinking more than once in two weeks.

2000: Establishment of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance

In 2000, the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance was established at the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, aiming to influence corporate structure and management through education and interaction and providing a forum for corporate governance discussions.

2000: Music Department Purchases Ceruti Violin

In 2000, the music department purchased an 18th-century Ceruti violin for professor and violinist Xiang Gao.

2000: Major facilities opened

Since 2000, major facilities have opened at the University of Delaware.

2001: Joined Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)

In 2001, University of Delaware joined the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) for its NCAA Division I sports teams, with the exception of the men's hockey team.

2001: Delaware Joins the CAA

In 2001, the Blue Hens joined the CAA, and have since won 29 CAA championships.

2001: Women's Rowing Team Success in CAA

Since 2001, the women's rowing team has unofficially won the CAA title four times, placing second the other two times.

2002: Rich Gannon named NFL MVP

In 2002, Rich Gannon, an alumnus of the University of Delaware, was named the NFL MVP.

2003: Fightin' Blue Hens Win NCAA I-AA Championship

In 2003, the Fightin' Blue Hens football team won the NCAA I-AA Championship.

2003: Alcohol-Related Violations on Campus

In 2003, there were 1026 alcohol-related violations reported on campus.

2004: The Review Named a National Newspaper Pacemaker Award Finalist

In 2004, The Review, the weekly student publication, was a National Newspaper Pacemaker Award Finalist and was named one of the ten best non-daily college newspapers by the Associated Collegiate Press.

2004: Alcohol-Related Violations on Campus

In 2004, there were 1062 alcohol-related violations reported on campus.

2005: Alcohol-Related Violations on Campus

In 2005, campus police picked up 1140 students for alcohol-related violations on the Newark campus of the University of Delaware, with 120 leading to arrests.

2005: University of Delaware Chorale Invited to International Convention

In 2005, the University of Delaware Chorale, led by Paul D. Head and accompanied by Betsy Kent, was invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association's International Convention in Los Angeles.

2006: YoUDee Elected into Mascot Hall of Fame

In 2006, YoUDee, the mascot of the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens, was elected into the Mascot Hall of Fame.

2006: Opening of the new Center for the Arts building

In 2006, the new Center for the Arts building opened, featuring recital halls and practice rooms with pianos for music majors and ensembles.

2006: Delaware Ends Membership in Atlantic 10 Conference

The University of Delaware was a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference in football until the 2006 season.

April 2007: Chorale Wins Grand Prix at Tallinn International Choral Festival

In April 2007, the University of Delaware Chorale won the Grand Prix at the Tallinn International Choral Festival in Estonia, outscoring over 40 other choirs globally.

November 2007: First Game Between UD and Delaware State University

In November 2007, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University had their first game against each other, with University of Delaware winning 44–7.

2007: Delaware Blue Hens Runners-Up in NCAA I-AA National Championship

In 2007, the Delaware Blue Hens were the runners up in the NCAA I-AA National Championship game, losing to Appalachian State.

2007: Men's Lacrosse Reaches NCAA Final Four

In 2007, the men's lacrosse program reached the final four of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in its history.

2007: Implementation and Abandonment of Residence-Life Education Program

In the fall of 2007, the University of Delaware implemented a new residence-life education program that was criticized for forcing students into polarizing discussions. The program was abandoned in November of the same year.

September 19, 2008: Inauguration of the University of Delaware Energy Institute (UDEI)

On September 19, 2008, the University of Delaware Energy Institute was inaugurated. UDEI also received a $3 million annual grant for advanced solar research.

2008: Steve Schmidt manages John McCain campaign

In 2008, Steve Schmidt, an alumnus of the University of Delaware, was the campaign manager for John McCain.

2008: Student Death from Alcohol Poisoning

In 2008, a University of Delaware freshman died of alcohol poisoning after attending a party hosted by members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.

October 23, 2009: Agreement Signed with Chrysler

On October 23, 2009, the University of Delaware signed an agreement with Chrysler to purchase a shuttered vehicle assembly plant for $24.25 million.

2009: Edgar N. Johnson Retires as Director of Athletics

In 2009, Edgar N. Johnson retired as the Director of Athletics at the University of Delaware, after serving since 1984.

2009: Marching Band Performance in Presidential Inaugural Parade

In 2009, the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hen Marching Band was selected to perform in the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade.

2010: David Plouffe earns B.A.

In 2010, David Plouffe, a campaign manager, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware.

2010: Delaware Blue Hens Runners-Up in National Championship Game

In 2010, the Delaware Blue Hens were again runners up in the National Championship game, losing to Eastern Washington 20–19.

2010: Chorale Competes in Tolosa Choral Competition

In 2010, the University of Delaware Chorale competed in two categories of the 42nd Annual Tolosa Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain, receiving a Bronze and a Silver award. UD-16 also won two Silver awards.

2010: Feasibility Study for a Law School

In 2010, the University of Delaware conducted a feasibility study to explore the possibility of adding a law school focused on corporate and patent law.

March 7, 2012: Men's Ice Hockey Team Wins ACHA National Championship

On March 7, 2012, the Division 1 men's ice hockey team won the ACHA National Championship, defeating Oakland University 5–1.

2012: Chorale Invited to International Society for Music Education Conference

In the Summer of 2012, the University of Delaware Chorale was the only American College Choir invited to the International Society for Music Education Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece. The UD Steele Ensemble was also invited, and the Chorale placed second at the Bela Bartok International Choral Competition.

April 19, 2014: City of Newark Board of Adjustment Rules on Data Center Zoning

On April 19, 2014, the City of Newark Board of Adjustment ruled that the power plant is an accessory to the data center and that no rezoning was required.

April 28, 2014: City of Newark Board of Adjustment Upholds Data Center Ruling

On April 28, 2014, the City of Newark Board of Adjustment upheld its April 19, 2014, ruling that the power plant is an accessory to the data center and that no rezoning was required.

May 4, 2014: Faculty Senate Recommends Against Fossil-Fuel-Burning Power Plant

On May 4, 2014, the University Faculty Senate voted to recommend to the administration that it not allow construction of The Data Center on UD's STAR campus if it includes any fossil-fuel-burning power plant.

July 10, 2014: University Terminates Lease for Data Center Project

On July 10, 2014, the University of Delaware announced that it was terminating the lease for The Data Center project.

2014: Vocal Point Places Third at ICCA Finals

In 2014, Vocal Point, a University of Delaware a cappella group, placed third at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) finals.

2015: Planned law school not within funding capability

By 2015, the University of Delaware determined that the planned addition of a law school was not within the university's funding capability.

2015: Nancy Targett as Interim President

In 2015, Nancy Targett served as interim president of the University of Delaware and she was named as the 27th president of the university.

March 19, 2016: Student Death Due to Alcohol-Related Incident

On March 19, 2016, a student visiting from another college died in an alcohol-related incident.

June 2016: Dennis Assanis Took Office

In June 2016, Dennis Assanis took office as the 28th president of the University of Delaware.

February 2017: Creation of the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Institute

In February 2017, the School of Public Policy and Administration announced the creation of the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Institute (Biden Institute), named after alumnus Joe Biden.

November 2017: Delaware First Campaign Launched

In November 2017, the Delaware First fundraising and engagement campaign was launched, with an initial goal of $750 million.

2018: Research and Development Spending

In 2018, the University of Delaware spent $186 million on research and development, ranking it 119th in the nation according to the National Science Foundation.

December 2019: Department of Music Renamed School of Music

In December 2019, the Department of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences was officially renamed the School of Music.

2019: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Statistics

As of fall 2019, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources had 81 faculty, 892 undergraduate students and 212 graduate students.

2019: College of Arts and Sciences Statistics

As of fall 2019, the College of Arts and Sciences had 6358 undergraduate students, 1132 graduate students and more than 600 faculty members.

2019: College of Engineering Statistics

As of fall 2019, the College of Engineering had 177 full-time faculty, 2,492 undergraduate students and 927 graduate students.

2019: UD and DSU Schedule Future Games

In 2019, UD and DSU announced that they have scheduled six games against each other from 2024 through 2030, including the first two games at DSU's Alumni Stadium.

2019: Student Protest Over Title IX Process

In 2019, a student protested after the Title IX process was extended to 100 days instead of the mandated 60 days, highlighting the university's lack of a timely response to such issues.

2019: Lerner College Statistics

In 2019, the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics had 3,368 undergraduate students, 872 graduate students, and 209 faculty and staff.

2019: College of Earth, Ocean and Environment Enrollment

In fall 2019, the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment had 397 undergraduate students and 183 graduate students.

2020: UD Vocal Point Ranked Among Top ICCA Groups

In 2020, The A Cappella Archive ranked UD Vocal Point at #12 all-time among ICCA-competing groups.

2020: Ammon Pinozzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center Opened

In 2020, the Ammon Pinozzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center opened at UD, becoming the new home of the UD-led National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals. Also in 2020, Chemours opened its global research and development facility, known as the Discovery Hub, on the STAR Campus.

2020: University Revenue Sources

In fiscal year 2020, government grants accounted for 10% of the University of Delaware's revenue, while tuition, room, board, and fees made up 57% of the total revenue.

2020: National Merit Scholars

In the 2020 academic year, there were 2 freshman students who were National Merit Scholars.

October 2021: Student Accused of Assault and Kidnapping

In October 2021, a sophomore male student was accused of assaulting a female student off-campus, allegedly holding her captive and threatening to kill her. The university's response was criticized by students.

October 2021: Delaware First Goal Extended

In October 2021, the Delaware First campaign's goal was extended to $1 billion after surpassing the initial goal ahead of schedule.

2021: Engineering Program Rankings

In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked the undergraduate engineering program at #53 and the undergraduate chemical engineering program #7 in the country.

2021: Freshman ACT scores

In 2021, the middle 50 percent Composite ACT score for enrolled freshmen was between 26 and 31.

2022: Engineering Graduate Program Ranking

In 2022, the University of Delaware's engineering graduate program was ranked #47 by U.S. News & World Report.

2022: Eleventh Game Between UD and Delaware State University Played

In 2022, the two schools played their eleventh game between 2007 and 2022.

2022: Tuition Costs

In 2022, the undergraduate tuition per semester at the University of Delaware was $14,822 for Delaware residents and $36,082 for non-residents.

June 2023: Delaware First Campaign Concluded

In June 2023, the Delaware First campaign concluded, raising more than $1.05 billion from 113,402 university supporters.

2023: U.S. News & World Report Ranking

In 2023, the University of Delaware was ranked 352nd (tie) globally according to U.S. News & World Report.

2023: Enrollment Size

In Fall 2023, the University of Delaware had an enrollment of 24,221 students, making it the largest university in Delaware by enrollment.

July 2024: UD to Transition to Division I FBS and Join Conference USA

In July 2024, the University of Delaware will begin its transition to Division I FBS football and will join Conference USA a year later.

2024: Fall 2024 Enrollment

For the class of 2028, enrolling in Fall 2024, Delaware received 37,472 applications and accepted 23,818 (63.5%).

2024: Future Games Scheduled Between UD and DSU

In 2024, UD and DSU had scheduled games against each other.

2024: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

In 2024, the University of Delaware was ranked between 401st and 500th globally according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

2025: Leaving CAA

The University of Delaware is set to leave the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in 2025.

2026: Joining Conference USA

In 2026, the University of Delaware will join Conference USA, marking a new chapter for its sports programs.

2028: Class of 2028

The University of Delaware received 37,472 applications for the Class of 2028.

2030: Future Games Scheduled Between UD and DSU

In 2030, UD and DSU had scheduled games against each other.

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