Spelman College Names AI Pioneer and Former NASA Engineer Ayanna Howard as Its Next President
The move aims to deepen the college’s focus on innovation, leadership development and STEM excellence.
- The Spelman College Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Ayanna Howard as the institution's 12th president on Friday, with the renowned roboticist and artificial intelligence expert scheduled to assume her duties on August 1, 2026.
- Howard succeeds Interim President Rosalind Roz Brewer, who served 18 months and will transition to co-chair the Spelman Forward campaign following a national search conducted by the Presidential Search and Nomination Committee.
- A renowned expert in artificial intelligence and robotics, Howard co-founded Black in Robotics and Zyrobotics, and previously led engineering initiatives at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Emphasizing her commitment to student success, Howard stated, "Students choose Spelman because they want to make a difference in the world, and as the world changes, we must equip them to thrive."
- Spelman maintains its 19-year ranking as the nation's top HBCU by U.S. News & World Report, serving 2,700 students and leading in producing Black women with STEM doctoral degrees.
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Georgia Today: Downtown Atlanta cleanup; New Spelman College president; Property tax legislation
On the June 5 edition: The State Election Board makes a recommendation at odds with the Secretary of State's office; Spelman College gets a new president; And volunteers plan to clean up downtown Atlanta tomorrow to help the city put its best foot forward ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Spelman names renowned roboticist and educator new President
ATLANTA — Spelman College has announced the appointment of Dr. Ayanna Howard as the institution’s 12th president, ushering in a new chapter for the nation’s top-ranked historically Black college and university (HBCU). Howard, an internationally recognized roboticist, entrepreneur, and higher education leader, will officially assume the presidency on August 1, 2026. She succeeds Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, who has led the college dur…
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