Spelman College has announced the appointment of Ayanna Howard as the college’s twelfth president. She will take office on August 1.
Spelman is a historically Black educational institution for women in Atlanta, Georgia. The highly rated liberal arts college enrolls just over 3,400 students, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Dr. Howard joins Spelman from Ohio State University, where she serves as dean of the College of Engineering and holds the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair. A nationally recognized expert in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-centered technology, Dr. Howard’s career spans leadership roles in higher education, industry, entrepreneurship, and government, including service at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“Dr. Howard is the visionary leader Spelman needs at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Lovette Russell, chair of Spelman College’s board of trustees. “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.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to join Spelman College, and the amazing faculty, staff, and trustees that have shaped generations of Black women,” said Dr. Howard. “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. Howard earned her bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. She also holds an MBA from Claremont Graduate University in California.