University of Delaware names first woman provost, Robin Morgan

Robin Morgan has been named the University of Delaware’s 11th provost, marking the first time a woman has held the role of UD’s chief academic officer in a permanent capacity.

Morgan is serving as interim provost, a position she was appointed to in October after former Provost Domenico Grasso unexpectedly stepped down from the position for personal reasons.

Grasso had been at UD since 2013 and led several initiatives, including the creation of the Division of Enrollment Management, as well as the development of university-wide programs ranging from entrepreneurship to humanities, social science and arts programs.

Morgan previously served as chair of the university's biological sciences department.

Since being named interim provost, she has assumed leadership of several key academic priorities for the university, including the proposed establishment of a new graduate college and a new emphasis on cluster hiring, which refers to the practice of hiring multiple faculty members for one or more departments in an effort to promote diversity and interdisciplinary research.

Last week, she implored the General Assembly's bond committee to "reach deep into the state's sofa cushions" for $66.5 million in funding.



“Over the last seven months, Robin has assembled an impressive record as interim provost,” UD President Dennis Assanis said in a statement. “Before working closely with her, I knew Robin as a highly respected educator and scholar, but after watching her in action, I am equally impressed with her abilities to lead, to inspire and to effect change. Her energy, integrity, analytical mind, innate knack for bringing people together, combined with her dedication and loyalty to UD are great assets.”

Morgan will officially become provost on July 1. She was selected for the position by a search committee, which including representatives from each of the university's colleges, as well as faculty, staff, students, trustees, campus leaders and alumni.

The field of national candidates was narrowed to five, and then to two before Assanis made his final decision.



“Serving UD as interim provost over the past seven months has been a great privilege, and my pride in being a part of the UD community has grown immensely,” Morgan said in a statement. “UD is at a pivotal point in its history, offering unparalleled opportunity to chart the University’s future under President Assanis’ leadership.

"I look forward to working closely with the President and our partners on and off campus to enhance our educational and research programs at all levels, expand and renew our faculty, build our infrastructure, strengthen our community partnerships, and foster a campus climate where all are welcomed and invited to participate."

Morgan's career at the university began in 1985 when she joined the Department of Animal and Food Sciences as an assistant professor. She became an associate professor in 1991 and a full professor in 1996.

In 2001, Morgan was named acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), a role she took over officially the following year. She became the interim chair of the Department of Biological Sciences for two years before being named chair in 2016. She also has four poultry vaccine patents, according to UD's website.



Morgan earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Meredith College and her Ph.D. in biology from Johns Hopkins University. She also did post-doctoral research at the University of California at Berkeley.



As the university’s chief academic officer, the provost is responsible for administering all instructional, research and service programs, and for facilitating the success of the university’s faculty and students. Several university staff members will report to Morgan, as well as the deans of UD’s seven colleges.





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