SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—Lawrence Technological University has named Jacqueline “Jackie” Stavros a University Distinguished Professor, honoring a career that has reshaped how organizations around the world approach strategy, leadership, and change.
This distinction is among the university’s highest academic honors, reserved for faculty whose work has earned national and international recognition for excellence in scholarship, teaching, and impact. Stavros, a professor in the LTU College of Business and Information Technology, has played a central role in advancing LTU’s global reputation.
“Dr. Stavros represents the very best of Lawrence Tech,” said Karl Daubmann, FAIA, FAAR, LTU interim provost. “Her work has not only advanced academic thought, but has also transformed how organizations and leaders operate in real and lasting ways.”
A globally respected scholar and practitioner, Stavros has shaped the fields of strategic planning, organization development, and strengths-based change. Her work, including the development of the SOAR framework and leadership in Appreciative Inquiry, has influenced organizations across sectors and around the world.
Since joining LTU in 2000, she has served as both professor and former director of the Doctor of Business Administration program. She has served on more than 60 dissertation committees, mentoring doctoral students whose work now influences industry, government, and academia.
“Her commitment to students is extraordinary,” Daubmann said. “She invests deeply in their success and helps them translate ideas into meaningful contributions in their fields.”
Stavros is the creator of the SOAR framework, which focuses on strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results to guide strategic thinking, planning, and leading. She is a leading voice in Appreciative Inquiry, one of the most effective and widely used approaches for fostering positive change in organizations and communities. Her work centers on creating meaningful dialogue and what she calls conversations worth having, helping organizations build alignment, engagement, and long-term value.
Her global reach includes work in more than 25 countries across six continents, where she has led large-scale strategic initiatives. Organizations ranging from NASA and the United States Army to global companies, such as General Motors, Meta, and PwC, have sought her expertise to guide transformation and align strategy with sustainable outcomes.
“Jackie’s influence extends far beyond the classroom,” Daubmann said. “She has built a body of work that connects people, purpose, and performance in ways that are both practical and inspiring.”
An accomplished author and researcher, Stavros has co-authored numerous books and scholarly articles, with her work widely used by executives, consultants, and practitioners worldwide. Her research and teaching focus on strategy, leadership, and positive organizational change.
This appointment, recommended by the provost and supported by the president and Faculty Senate, reflects Stavros’s extraordinary contributions as an educator, thought leader, and advocate for positive change.
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 as part of its growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 10 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News & World Report lists it in the top tier of the best 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.