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Delaware State University celebrated its transition from Delaware State College to Delaware State University on July 1, 1993.
Recently, the university celebrated its largest graduating class and reflected on 133 years of helping students achieve their educational goals. DSU researchers were recognized for submitting over 70 grant submissions and receiving awards exceeding $15 million for the 2023-2024 year.
In 2021, Delaware State University and Wesley College announced the completion of an acquisition, bringing the university's total student body to nearly 6,000 students and a $30 million research portfolio.
This acquisition is projected to generate almost $350 million in economic impact to the State of Delaware, with $160 million directly benefiting the City of Dover and Kent County.
President Tony Allen stated that Delaware State University is the first historically Black college and university (HBCU) to acquire another college or university in the United States.
Established in 1891 by the Delaware General Assembly under the provisions of the Morrill Act of 1890, Delaware State University, formerly the Delaware College for Colored Students, acquired 50 acres of land, 21 buildings, and 14 academic programs from Wesley College.
Additionally, the university gained over 60% of Wesley's faculty and staff members.
More than 77% of legacy Wesley students have chosen to continue their education at Delaware State University. William J. Strickland, chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Wesley College, assured the community of the commitment to support all former Wesley students and maintain the core traditions of Wesley College, despite the end of the college's 147-year history.
Dr. Allen emphasized the need for a more direct connection to downtown Dover's economic, social, and cultural life, particularly for people of color, stating that the acquisition of Wesley College is a significant step toward the university's aspirations to become the country's most diverse, contemporary HBCU.