SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—Lawrence Technological University has appointed Karl Daubmann, FAIA, FAAR, as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective June 24, 2026. Daubmann has served as interim provost since May 2025 and succeeds Richard Heist, PhD.
The appointment comes as higher education institutions nationwide navigate rapid technological change, evolving workforce demands, and shifting student expectations. Daubmann’s selection provides continuity in academic leadership while positioning LTU to build on its strengths in innovation, applied learning, and industry engagement.
“Karl has been an exceptional and forward-thinking leader during his time as dean and more recently as interim provost,” said LTU President Tarek M. Sobh. “He brings a visionary, data-driven approach to higher education, an innovative mindset rooted in design and technology, and an extraordinary ability to connect disciplines, ideas, and people. As higher education continues to evolve, Karl’s leadership will help ensure Lawrence Tech remains at the forefront of innovation, student success, and industry relevance.”
During his year as interim provost, Daubmann led initiatives focused on student success, retention, advising, tutoring, and teaching excellence. He reorganized academic support services to better serve students and helped launch the Center for Teaching and Learning, strengthening faculty development and advancing instructional practices that prepare graduates for success in an increasingly AI-enabled economy.
Before serving as interim provost, Daubmann spent nine years as dean of LTU’s College of Architecture and Design. During his tenure, the college experienced enrollment growth, expanded industry partnerships, attracted new faculty, secured significant philanthropic support, and strengthened its reputation as a leader in technology-driven design education.
A University Distinguished Professor, Daubmann’s scholarship and leadership have focused on the intersection of design, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and higher education. His work reflects LTU’s longstanding commitment to blending technology, creativity, and real-world application.
With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Daubmann previously served on the faculty at the University of Michigan, where he attained the rank of full professor and served as Associate Dean for Post-Professional Degrees and Technology Engagement at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. He has built a national reputation as both an academic leader and practicing architect whose work explores the intersection of design, technology, manufacturing, and innovation.
As provost, Daubmann will oversee LTU’s academic enterprise, including its five colleges, academic programs, faculty development initiatives, accreditation efforts, and student success strategies. He will work closely with university leadership to advance academic innovation, strengthen enrollment and retention, expand interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure graduates are prepared to lead in a rapidly changing global economy.
“LTU has built a reputation for preparing graduates to solve real-world challenges through innovation, creativity, and applied learning,” Daubmann said. “I am excited to work alongside our faculty, staff, and students as we continue to strengthen academic excellence, embrace emerging technologies, and create new opportunities for student success.”
In addition to his academic leadership, Daubmann has maintained an active professional practice throughout his career. His work has received more than 40 design awards and has been featured in books, journals, and exhibitions worldwide. He is currently co-authoring AI for Architects: Building an AI-Integrated Practice, which explores the future integration of artificial intelligence into professional practice.
Daubmann is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, among the highest distinctions in architecture and design. He was recently recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as a Notable Leader in Higher Education and received the AIA Michigan President’s Award.
Daubmann earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University and a Master of Science in Architectural Studies in Design Computing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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About 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.