Delaware State University (DSU), often referred to simply as DSU, stands as a distinguished public research university with its main campus rooted in Dover, Delaware.
This venerable institution extends its reach with two additional satellite campuses, located in Wilmington and Georgetown, respectively.
Comprising four colleges, DSU boasts a vibrant and diverse student body, encompassing both undergraduate and advanced-degree scholars.
Its reputation is built upon a foundation of pioneering policies, academic distinction, far-reaching global connections, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
From its historic acquisition of another college to its cutting-edge research and dedication to preserving Black history, DSU has carved out a unique and influential position in the landscape of higher education.
This article delves into 15 specific reasons that illuminate what makes Delaware State University truly famous.
1. The University’s Groundbreaking No-Smoking Policy
Delaware State University holds a significant place in the annals of Black colleges and universities as one of the first to implement a comprehensive no-smoking policy.
This progressive initiative began its journey in 2015 when the university initially restricted smoking to just four designated areas on campus.
Beyond mere restriction, DSU demonstrated its commitment to student health by proactively providing essential educational resources, including smoking cessation tools and specialized programs designed to support students battling addiction.
By August of that year, the university had fully embraced a tobacco-free policy, a move that garnered significant recognition. In 2017, DSU was honored with the prestigious ACAS Health Leadership Award.
This accolade was presented by a consortium of esteemed organizations, including the Public Health Service Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health, the Truth Initiative, Arizonans Concerned About Smoking, and the Arizona NAACP, underscoring the widespread impact and recognition of DSU’s health-focused leadership.
2. The Historic Acquisition of Wesley College
On July 1, 2021, Delaware State University etched its name into the history books with a truly unprecedented acquisition.
DSU officially acquired Wesley College, a private institution with a rich heritage, having been founded by the Methodist Church in 1873 and existing for 157 years.
This landmark event marked DSU as the first-ever Black institution to acquire a college that was not historically a Black college or university.
Following the acquisition, the former Wesley College campus was thoughtfully renamed “DSU Downtown,” acknowledging its proximity to Downtown Dover.
Furthermore, to honor and preserve Wesley College’s rich history, Delaware State University relocated several courses from its College of Health and Behavioral Science—including Public and Allied Health, Psychology, and Social Work programs—to the newly designated DSU Downtown campus.
3. A Prime Location in Delaware’s Capital
The strategic positioning of Delaware State University’s main campus significantly contributes to its appeal and accessibility.
Spanning a substantial 400 acres (1.6 km2), the campus is ideally situated in Dover, which serves as the capital of Delaware.
This central location affords remarkable convenience for students, faculty, and visitors alike. Traveling to the campus from major East Coast metropolises such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., typically takes approximately two hours by car.
For those journeying from New York City, the commute is still manageable, usually requiring around three hours.
This accessibility makes DSU an attractive choice for a broad range of students from across the mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
4. Comprehensive Residential Hall Options
Delaware State University ensures a vibrant and supportive campus living experience through its extensive residential hall system.
The university’s main campus is home to five traditional residential halls, providing diverse living environments for its student body.
Among these, three of the apartment-style halls are specifically reserved for upperclassmen, fostering communities tailored to their needs.
Beyond the main campus, DSU offers additional housing solutions, including an off-campus apartment complex and another residential hall.
Further enhancing its residential capacity, the university has also activated two residential halls at DSU Downtown, which was formerly the Wesley College campus, offering even more options for its growing student population.
5. Recognition as a “Tree Campus USA” University
Delaware State University’s commitment to environmental stewardship and campus beauty has earned it distinguished recognition.
DSU is proudly counted among only 148 universities nationwide to receive the prestigious “Tree Campus USA” designation, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation.
This recognition highlights the university’s dedication to effective campus forest management, community engagement, and student involvement in tree-related initiatives.
Beyond its verdant campus in Dover, DSU’s commitment to natural resources extends to its operations, including two farms located near Kenton and Smyrna.
Additionally, the university operates its specialized Airway Science Program at Delaware Air Park in Cheswold, further demonstrating its diverse academic and environmental footprint.
6. Extensive and Robust Global Connections
Delaware State University prides itself on fostering a truly global academic environment, evidenced by its strong and expansive international connections.
The university has cultivated over thirty formal international partnerships with a diverse array of institutions across the globe.
These vital collaborations extend to numerous countries, including China, Cuba, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, and the UK.
Such partnerships are instrumental in facilitating a wide range of academic endeavors, including collaborative research projects, international conference participation, and invaluable student exchange programs.
This global network enriches the educational experience for DSU students and contributes to the university’s worldwide influence.
7. Significant Scholarship Opportunities for Students
Delaware State University is deeply committed to making quality education accessible, a commitment underscored by its generous financial aid and scholarship programs.
A substantial portion of DSU’s incoming students benefit from this support, with approximately 77% of all first-year students gaining access to some form of financial aid.
For those qualifying for a Delaware State University scholarship, the financial assistance is significant, with first-year students receiving an average scholarship amount of $11,893 USD.
These robust scholarship offerings play a crucial role in enabling a diverse student body to pursue their academic aspirations at DSU.
8. A Legacy of Over 100,000 Notable Alumni
Delaware State University has cultivated a far-reaching and diverse global network through its impressive alumni base, which numbers over 100,000 graduates from across the world.
These alumni stand as a testament to the quality education provided by DSU, with many achieving significant prominence and becoming icons in their respective countries.
DSU graduates have distinguished themselves by representing their nations in a myriad of capacities, spanning the realms of sports, politics, military, and diplomacy.
The long list of notable alumni includes figures such as John Taylor, Clifford Brown, Wayne Gilchrest, Jamaal Jackson, Clarence Weathers, and Emanual Davis, among many others, reflecting the widespread impact and success of DSU’s former students.
9. Extensive Research Opportunities
Delaware State University is recognized as a hub for innovation and discovery, offering extensive research opportunities for both its students and faculty.
Over the years, the university has significantly increased its research facilities and infrastructure, strategically positioning itself to draw federal funding for various projects.
DSU houses specialized centers dedicated to advanced research in sciences and mathematics, including the Center for Applied Optics, the Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications (CREOSA), and the Applied Mathematics Research Center.
This commitment to high-level research has earned DSU the prestigious classification as an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity university.
Further solidifying its research capabilities, DSU’s campuses are equipped with research computer laboratories that are part of the Internet2 initiative, providing cutting-edge resources for scholars.
10. Ranked as the 2nd Best Public Black University
Delaware State University’s academic prowess and institutional quality have earned it significant national recognition.
In the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best colleges and universities, DSU was prominently named as the second-best among all public historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
This esteemed ranking underscores DSU’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and its vital role within the HBCU community.
Founded in 1891, the university has grown to offer a comprehensive array of academic programs, providing students with a wealth of choices: 46 undergraduate degree courses, 21 master’s degree courses, and 6 doctoral degree programs.
11. Innovative Partnership with Investor Cash Management (ICM)
In a forward-thinking move to enhance financial services for its community, Delaware State University forged a strategic partnership with Investor Cash Management (ICM).
This collaboration was established with the specific aim of providing the best cash management accounts tailored to the needs of DSU’s students, staff, and alumni.
Upon its launch, this innovative program was made readily available to all members of the university community, demonstrating DSU’s dedication to offering modern and beneficial services beyond traditional academic offerings.
This partnership highlights the university’s adaptive approach to supporting its constituents in a comprehensive manner.
12. A Champion for Black History Preservation
Delaware State University plays an indispensable and critical role in the preservation and promotion of Black History.
The university actively ensures that Black History instruction is integrated into the educational programming throughout Delaware.
Demonstrating its commitment to empowering educators, DSU hosts contests designed to equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively convey this vital subject matter.
These initiatives encourage educators to foster environments where students can utilize their creative expression to honor Black history and culture.
Furthermore, DSU extends its recognition and appreciation to individuals who contribute to this heritage, honoring students, family members, teachers, neighbors, pastors, or athletes for their impact.
13. Dedicated Support for African American Students in STEM
Delaware State University has established itself as a leading institution in boosting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses for African American students.
This commitment to diversifying the STEM workforce is exemplified by significant strategic partnerships.
Notably, DSU collaborated with Agilent Technologies, a renowned science company, in a partnership designed to advance student education in these critical fields.
As a testament to this partnership’s impact, Agilent Technologies made a substantial contribution, donating a total of $1 million in scholarships specifically for students pursuing STEM degrees at DSU.
This initiative underscores DSU’s dedication to providing opportunities and resources to African American students in high-demand technical fields.
14. A Unique Blend of Past, Present, and Future
Delaware State University offers a truly distinctive educational environment, characterized by its seamless blend of past, present, and future.
While the main campus is vast, covering 356 acres (though one source notes 400 acres) and featuring centuries-old buildings that speak to its rich history, the university is far from stuck in the past.
It actively serves as a vibrant center for modern research and innovation. DSU proudly hosts some of the country’s best and most skilled researchers, who are actively engaged in discovering groundbreaking innovations across diverse fields, including medicine, military defense, and agriculture.
This dynamic synergy ensures that students benefit from a foundation of historical legacy coupled with access to cutting-edge advancements.
15. A Welcoming and Diverse Student Body
At its core, Delaware State University is renowned for its inclusive and welcoming environment, embracing students from a vast variety of backgrounds without discrimination.
This commitment to diversity is reflected in its current enrollment figures, which stand at 5,649 students. The student body is predominantly undergraduate, making up 86% of the total enrollment.
The university maintains a male-to-female ratio of 33:67, showcasing a balanced and representative community.
Furthermore, DSU provides a traditional college experience for many, with 77% of all new students choosing to live in campus residence halls, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Alicia Richards