Spelman College names AI pioneer and former NASA engineer Ayanna Howard as its next president

Spelman College has named Ayanna Howard, a leading AI pioneer and former NASA engineer, as its 12th president. The Board of Trustees announced the appointment on Friday, with Howard scheduled to take office on August 1, replacing interim President Rosalind Brewer, who has served for 18 months. Howard currently serves as dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University and is recognized for her work in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-centered technology. Her career includes roles at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Georgia Institute of Technology, along with co-founding Zyrobotics, a company developing educational technologies for children with special needs, and Black in Robotics, an organization promoting diversity in robotics. The selection follows a national search involving trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumnae. Howard emphasized her commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world, aligning with Spelman’s mission to empower Black women as leaders. Lovette Russell, chair of the Board of Trustees, called Howard a ‘visionary leader’ whose experience will advance the college’s goals. Spelman College has held the top ranking among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for 19 consecutive years and is a leading producer of Black women earning doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Brewer expressed confidence in Howard’s ability to build on the college’s momentum and guide it into its next phase. Howard’s appointment underscores Spelman’s focus on innovation and leadership in education, particularly in technology and engineering. Her background in AI and robotics aligns with the college’s emphasis on equipping students to drive change in a tech-driven world.