September 2, 2025
Video Message Transcript
Hello, I'm Dennis Assanis. I'm deeply honored and humbled by the trust you place in me to serve as your next chancellor. UC Santa Barbara has an exceptional academic reputation with distinguished faculty, dedicated staff, and amazing students and alumni. To lead such an extraordinary institution is a profound privilege. I step into this role with a sense of gratitude, responsibility, and purpose. I'm committed to working with all of you to ensure that UC Santa Barbara continues to be a place where innovation thrives and every student succeeds. I believe so deeply in the role of higher education, not only as a ladder of opportunity, but also as a community of belonging, motivation, and purpose. Despite the challenges that higher education is facing right now, by coming together, we have an opportunity to continue to grow and thrive. We will always uphold our mission to deliver world-class education, research, and public service for the good of all people. And I'm dedicated to standing up for our university and ensuring we continue to provide service and excellence to Californians, the nation, and the world. My wife, Eleni, and I are thrilled to join your wonderful community of learning, where teaching, research, and engagement come together to respond to the challenges of our world. We look forward to serving alongside all of you who have made UC Santa Barbara a model of excellence, inclusion, impact, and innovation. We also look forward to strengthening the connections between our campus and the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, and the broader region. As the new quarter is about to start, Eleni and I plan to meet with all of you to listen and to learn from you. Together, we'll write the next chapter in UC Santa Barbara's incredible story. Go Gauchos!