Delaware State asks for $25M for athletic transformation and $20M for deferred maintenance; alumni and students urge support

Delaware State University President Tony Allen presented a comprehensive update on enrollment growth, academic expansion and the university’s capital priorities, asking the Joint Capital Improvement Committee for support to modernize campus facilities.

Allen said DSU has experienced strong growth — about 31% over six years — and now enrolls roughly 6,620 students with a $700 million economic impact estimate (DSU plans an updated economic impact study this month). He credited state investments for recent gains: Wesley College integration, the early childhood innovation center, an Agilent Technology Center, and significant increases in nursing capacity. Allen said DSU will graduate approximately 120 nurses at its next commencement.

DSU’s capital request includes a $25 million athletic transformation (an indoor fieldhouse, press box, new stands, event and reception spaces intended to make the campus a regional hub for athletics and events) and $20 million for deferred maintenance. Allen said phase 1 of the athletics work complements earlier state support and private donations and stressed the potential economic and community benefits from upgraded facilities.

Alumni and students spoke in support during public comment. Alumnus Steve Ewing, who chairs DSU’s athletics fundraising effort, said private gifts complement state support and urged lawmakers to ‘‘level the ship’’ so DSU can fully realize its economic potential. Student Jared Bryant described hands‑on IT and robotics research, the role of the Inspire scholarship in his education, and the value of industry partnerships that provided internships and practical experience.

What’s next: DSU requested the committee consider its athletics and deferred‑maintenance asks as part of FY27 deliberations. Alumni and legislators signaled broad backing and emphasized the campus’s growing role in workforce training and regional economic development.