With a distinguished record of leadership and innovation in higher education, Chancellor Dennis Assanis stepped into his role as the sixth leader of UC Santa Barbara. An accomplished scholar and engineer — and an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering — Chancellor Assanis brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, collaboration and transformative research. In his first months on campus, he has focused on getting to know the Gaucho community — meeting students, faculty, staff and local stakeholders to listen, learn and build connections. Before joining UCSB, he served as president of the University of Delaware, where he expanded research, strengthened interdisciplinary programs and fostered a culture of innovation. Born and educated in Greece and the United Kingdom, with advanced degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Chancellor Assanis now looks ahead to advancing UCSB’s mission of teaching, research and public service — and to inspiring the next generation of Gauchos.
A bright future
Photo by Jeff Liang
Spirit and pride
Energy filled the Thunderdome as Chancellor Dennis Assanis snapped a selfie with new Gauchos during UC Santa Barbara’s first-ever Gaucho Welcome rally — a spirited kickoff to Week of Welcome, an annual tradition that celebrates the start of the academic year with activities and events designed to build community and Gaucho pride.
Photo by Jeff Liang
Campus connections
Chancellor Assanis and his wife, Eleni, meet students during a campus tour, part of their first months connecting with the Gaucho community. Tours are among many events during UCSB’s Week of Welcome, which give new students a chance to explore campus landmarks, learn traditions and meet university leaders.
Photo by Matt Perko
Photo by Jeff Liang
Gaucho traditions
The Assanises join Kelly Barsky, the Arnhold Director of Athletics, on the field at Harder Stadium during a UCSB men’s soccer match against Grand Canyon University. Before kickoff, they received the Golden Scarf — a campus tradition welcoming them to the Gaucho community.
Photos by Jeff Liang
New beginnings
Joining the action during Move-In Weekend, Chancellor Assanis and Eleni welcome new students and families to campus. The annual event marks the start of the Gaucho journey and reflects UCSB’s commitment to a safe, supportive and memorable beginning to the academic year.
Celebrating excellence
Chancellor Assanis, center, joins Nobel laureates Michel Devoret, at left, and John Martinis at a campus colloquium celebrating the pair’s 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. The event honored Devoret and Martinis for their pioneering quantum research, recognized by the Nobel Committee for laying the groundwork for next-generation quantum technology.
Photo by Matt Perko
Photo by Jeff Liang
Working together
As Chancellor Assanis meets with community members across campus, he gains insight into the people, programs and partnerships that drive the university’s success. Collaborating and learning from faculty, staff, students and trustees alike, he joins a community whose innovation and dedication make waves far beyond the shoreline — shaping industries, inspiring change and earning recognition around the world.
Photos by Matt Perko
Strengthening local ties
The Assanises join State Senator Monique Limón (second from right) at an investiture event for Leah Stokes (right), the newly minted Anton Vonk Associate Professor of Environmental Politics.
Photo by Sonia Fernandez
Photo by Sonia Fernandez
Faculty futures
At the fall New Faculty Orientation, scholars and educators beginning their UCSB journey meet with Chancellor Assanis and campus leaders to connect, share ideas
and join the university’s vibrant community of learning and discovery. The annual event helps new faculty navigate campus life and access resources for success.
