SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Dr. Tarek Sobh, president of Lawrence Technological University, to the Michigan Education Trust (MET) Board of Directors, representing the interests of private colleges across Michigan.
Dr. Sobh’s term begins July 1, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2029, succeeding Richard Pappas.
“I am honored to serve on the Michigan Education Trust Board and support efforts that expand opportunity for students and families across our state,” Sobh said. “Programs like MET help make higher education more accessible and predictable for Michigan families.”
Dr. Sobh serves on the boards of the Michigan College Access Network, Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities, and Automation Alley, and is president of the Association of Independent Technological Universities.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Alexandria University and both a Master of Science in Engineering and a PhD in computer and information science from the University of Pennsylvania.
The Michigan Education Trust is Michigan’s prepaid tuition program that helps families plan ahead for higher education expenses. The MET Board provides oversight of policy, investment initiatives, and program development.
The appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.
Lead what’s next at Lawrence Technological University.
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU, which offers communication training programs of the former Specs Howard School, and LTU’s growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best in the Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.