Spelman College Names AI Pioneer Dr. Ayanna Howard as 12th President

The historic appointment positions one of America's most respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to expand its leadership in innovation, academic excellence, and preparing future generations of Black women to lead in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Dr. Howard will officially assume the presidency on August 1, 2026, following a national presidential search that engaged trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and other members of the Spelman community. She succeeds Interim President Rosalind "Roz" Brewer and arrives as the College continues to build on nearly two decades as the nation's highest-ranked HBCU.

Dr. Ayanna Howard | Before Spelman

Before accepting the presidency at Spelman College, Dr. Howard served as Dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, where she held the prestigious Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean's Chair.

Her distinguished career spans higher education, entrepreneurship, government research, and industry. Howard previously worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she helped advance robotics and autonomous systems research. She later became a nationally recognized leader in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-centered technology while also serving in leadership roles at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Beyond academia, Howard co-founded Zyrobotics, a company focused on educational technology for children with disabilities, and Black in Robotics, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity within the robotics profession.

"I am deeply honored and excited to join Spelman College, and the amazing faculty, staff, and trustees that have shaped generations of Black women. Students choose Spelman because they want to make a difference in the world, and as the world changes, we must equip them to thrive. At a time when technology, the workforce, and society are evolving rapidly, Spelman’s mission has never been more important. I look forward to building on the College’s legacy while honoring its tradition, values, and sisterhood.“

Dr. Ayanna Howard | Continuing Spelman's Legacy of Excellence

"Dr. Howard is the visionary leader Spelman needs at this pivotal moment in our history. Throughout this search process, we sought a leader who would honor Spelman’s legacy while boldly advancing our future, and Dr. Howard embodies that vision. She understands the opportunities and challenges shaping higher education today and shares Spelman’s unwavering commitment to preparing Black women to lead and drive change. The Board is excited about Spelman’s future under her leadership and confident she will build upon the College’s remarkable momentum for generations to come.

The Spelman College Board of Trustees selected Howard after an extensive national search aimed at identifying a leader capable of strengthening the institution's academic reputation while positioning students for success in rapidly evolving industries.

Her appointment comes during a period of remarkable momentum for Spelman College, which has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student achievement, STEM leadership, and preparing graduates who become influential leaders across business, government, medicine, education, science, and public service.

Spelman leaders believe Howard's experience at the intersection of engineering, artificial intelligence, innovation, and higher education will help expand opportunities for students while preserving Spelman's longstanding mission of educating women of African descent committed to positive social change.