Karen Hofmann
Karen Hofmann is an accomplished design educator and academic leader who serves as President of ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. An alumna of ArtCenter’s Product Design program, she began teaching at the college in 2001, returning to the institution that shaped her professional foundation. Over time, she became deeply involved in research initiatives and institutional development, gradually moving into administrative leadership. Known for her authenticity and steady leadership style, Hofmann emphasizes human-centered design, creative problem-solving, and the importance of honesty and clarity in guiding a small, private, nonprofit art and design college.
Hofmann became Chair of the Product Design department in 2010, where she led curriculum innovation, expanded industry partnerships, and supported interdisciplinary collaboration. In 2018, she stepped into the role of Provost, serving for four years and overseeing academic affairs across the college. In 2022, she was appointed President, assuming responsibility for both the operational and educational dimensions of the institution. As president, she manages an executive cabinet, works closely with a 26-member Board of Trustees, and leads strategic initiatives that strengthen the college’s academic reputation and community impact. Her leadership has included overseeing major institutional projects, including large-scale graduate exhibitions and campus development efforts.
Before her academic career, Hofmann built professional experience in design research and strategy, including roles at Johnson Controls and o2studio, where she worked on concept development and trend research for global brands. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a degree in Product Design from ArtCenter, blending behavioral insight with creative practice. She also completed executive education through a New President Seminar at Harvard. A board member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and a recipient of the Educator of the Year Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Hofmann continues to champion the transformative power of design education.
• ArtCenter College of Design - B.S.
• Educator of the Year Award
• Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)
• Pasadena Humane Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to striving to be authentic and maintaining honesty in all aspects of my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to pursue work that truly fuels your soul.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in higher education right now is its constant demands — it truly feels like a school of hard knocks every day, requiring continuous learning. At the same time, I see a significant opportunity in building strong networks, especially for women, to connect, grow, and advance in the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity and honesty. I also prioritize the student experience and the human-centered aspects of design, while finding joy and balance through sketching, painting, and gardening.