Spelman College Names Dr. Ayanna Howard as Its 12th President

Spelman College has named Dr. Ayanna Howard its 12th president, effective August 1, 2026, after a nationwide search. She succeeds Interim President Rosalind 'Roz' Brewer and brings a distinguished blend of science, leadership, and a deep commitment to equity. Howard previously led The Ohio State University College of Engineering as dean and spent 15 years at Georgia Tech as chair and researcher, with earlier work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her record includes more than 300 publications, four patents, and a Fellowship in the AAAI, along with recognition from Forbes as one of America’s Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018. She also co-founded Black in Robotics and Zyrobotics, and serves on boards at Brown University, Autodesk, and Motorola Solutions.

Howard's appointment aligns with Spelman's mission to develop Black women leaders through rigorous liberal arts and STEM education, signaling that excellence and equity can advance together. Returning to Atlanta's historic University Center campus, she will be welcomed by the Spelman community with a fireside chat and Q&A at Historic Sisters Chapel on Friday, June 5, 2026. Her leadership is expected to influence partnerships, innovation, and access across the Atlanta University Center and throughout the college's programs. Spelman's story—one of vision and perseverance—continues with a president who embodies scholarly excellence and community impact.