Letter from the President

It is with immense pride and excitement that I address you through the pages of our annual campus magazine. As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Lawrence Technological University, we are reminded of the core values and commitments that set us apart and drive our relentless pursuit of excellence.

Before arriving at Lawrence Tech in 2020, I was seeking a new professional challenge in the role of provost or president in an eminent technologically-focused comprehensive university. I started doing my research to find such a university. Out of all the universities in the country—nearly 6,000—I found only 56 universities to be technologically focused by mission, vision, and name. Of those 56 universities only 13 were independent and doctoral comprehensive institutions. Lawrence Tech’s history for the past 90+ years, and its intentional focus on theory and practice, experiential education, interdisciplinary offerings, individualized student mentoring, programming agility, and industry immersion, set it apart from all its peers, even within this elite group of 13 Universities. I consider myself extremely lucky to be part of our great community here at Lawrence Tech and to be able to contribute to our transformative outcomes in student success, workforce development, research and creative practices, and economic mobility.

In our ever-evolving world, the ability to adapt and excel is paramount. We stand as a beacon of innovation, carving our niche through five defining pillars that are integral to our institutional DNA, and distinguish Lawrence Tech as a transformative leader in higher education: Technological Eminence, Research and Creative Practices Focus, Industry Immersion, Interdisciplinary Agility, and Professional Excellence.

Technological Eminence: Embracing technology is not just a choice for us; it's an intrinsic component of our identity. We believe in leveraging the power of technology to catalyze learning, discovery, and innovation in all the disciplines we teach and perform research in. From state-of-the-art laboratories to cutting-edge research centers, workshops and studios, we provide the tools and environment for our students and faculty to push boundaries and revolutionize industries.

Research and Creative Practices Focus: Scholarship, research and creative practices provide a foundation for our work across the five colleges. Our world-class faculty members are engaged in impactful research endeavors, externally funded sponsored research projects, and routinely publish their highly-cited work in top international conferences and journals. The work being conducted on campus exhibits very significant intellectual merit and broader impact on humanity, and provides transformative solutions and insights into the grand challenges facing the world in the 21st century. Our undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines are actively engaged with their faculty mentors in these research projects and contribute to the work being conducted in our research centers, laboratories, workshops and studios; and in many cases are financially sponsored by the faculty research grants.

Industry Immersion: We take great pride in our close ties with industries across the spectrum. Our faculty members bring real-world experiences to the classroom, bridging theory and practice seamlessly. Our curricula are shaped by industry insights, ensuring that our graduates are not only equipped with knowledge but are primed to thrive in the professional world from day one.

Interdisciplinary Agility: In a world where complex challenges rarely fit within traditional disciplinary boundaries, collaboration becomes paramount. At Lawrence Tech, we actively encourage collaboration across disciplines. Whether it is engineering and business, architecture and computer science, health sciences and design, or any other combination, we foster an environment where diverse perspectives, programming, and intellectually-meritorious pursuits of broader impact, converge to create holistic solutions to multifaceted problems.

Professional Excellence: We recognize that academic achievements are only part of the equation for success. The character, ethics, and professionalism of our graduates also set them apart. Our emphasis on ethical decision-making, leadership development, team skills, and strong communication abilities ensures that Lawrence Tech alumni excel not only as professionals but as responsible global citizens.

As we move forward, these five pillars will continue to guide us in shaping the future of education, innovation, and societal impact. We remain committed to providing our students with the resources, opportunities, and support needed to realize their fullest potential. Together, we will advance the boundaries of knowledge, strengthen our ties with industry partners, and produce graduates who are not just competent, but exceptional.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our entire Lawrence Tech community—students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, partners, and alumni—for your unwavering dedication, passion, and contributions. It is your commitment that propels us forward on this incredible journey.

Here's to another year of growth, discovery, and achievements.

by Dr. Tarek M. Sobh