Spelman College has appointed its new president.
The Historically Black College University (HBCU) has selected a new president with a strong background in technology to lead its institution.
Dr. Ayanna Howard will become the 12th president of the university, according to a press release shared with AFROTECH™. She is a former NASA engineer and roboticist with more than two decades of experience as an adjunct professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is also a founder of the award-winning educational company Zyrobotics, launched to assist children with differing abilities through smart technologies designed to improve social, cognitive, and motor skills. She is also a co-founder of the Blacks in Robotics organization, driven by a desire to increase representation in the field.
Her resume also includes service on the boards of Brown University, Autodesk, and Motorola Solutions. The press release also notes that she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Inventors, and has been recognized for her contributions to robotics, artificial intelligence, and the broader technology landscape.
“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 in the press release. “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.”
Howard currently serves as Dean of Engineering at The Ohio State University College of Engineering, but will officially assume her role at Spelman on Aug. 1, per the release.
Spelman College Interim President and Chair Emerita Rosalind “Roz” Brewer will remain co-chair of the Spelman Forward Campaign, a $500 million effort to improve the college’s financial and academic future.
“Serving as Spelman’s interim president has been one of the most profound honors of my life, and I am proud of the momentum our community has built since I arrived on campus 18 months ago,” said Brewer in the press release. “As we continue to invest in Spelman’s future through initiatives like Spelman Forward, I am confident Dr.Howard will build upon this strong foundation and help lead Spelman to even greater heights.”
