Spelman College has announced the appointment of Dr. Ayanna Howard as its 12th president, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities. Howard will assume the presidency on August 1, 2026.
A nationally recognized roboticist, entrepreneur, and higher education leader, Howard currently serves as dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, where she holds the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair. Her appointment places one of the country’s leading voices in artificial intelligence, robotics, and technology innovation at the helm of the nation’s top-ranked HBCU.
Howard’s career spans academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and government service. Prior to Ohio State, she held leadership and faculty roles at the Georgia Institute of Technology and worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Throughout her career, she has focused on expanding access to STEM education, advancing innovation, and creating pathways for students from historically underrepresented communities.
In announcing the appointment, Spelman Board of Trustees Chair Lovette Russell emphasized Howard’s ability to honor the institution’s legacy while positioning it for the future.
“Dr. Howard is the visionary leader Spelman needs at this pivotal moment in our history,” Russell said. “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.”
Howard’s selection follows a national search led by the Presidential Search and Nomination Committee and informed by input from trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and key stakeholders across the Spelman community.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for higher education and the broader HBCU sector. As institutions navigate evolving workforce demands, rapid technological change, and increasing interest in artificial intelligence, Howard brings a leadership profile that aligns closely with many of the emerging challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities.
Beyond her academic leadership, Howard is widely recognized for her contributions to technology and entrepreneurship. She co-founded Zyrobotics, a company focused on educational and therapeutic technologies for children with special needs, and Black in Robotics, an organization dedicated to increasing representation within the robotics profession. She also serves on the boards of Brown University, Autodesk, and Motorola Solutions.
Howard has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Inventors. She has authored more than 300 scholarly publications and was named to Forbes’ America’s Top 50 Women in Tech.
In a statement following the announcement, Howard emphasized the importance of preparing students to lead in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.
“Students choose Spelman because they want to make a difference in the world, and as the world changes, we must equip them to thrive,” Howard said. “At a time when technology, the workforce, and society are evolving rapidly, Spelman’s mission has never been more important.”
Howard succeeds Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, who has led the institution during a period of continued growth and advancement. Following the transition, Brewer will continue her involvement with the college as co-chair of the Spelman Forward campaign, the institution’s historic fundraising initiative focused on scholarships, student success, faculty excellence, and long-term sustainability.