06/06/2026
Spelman College has named Dr. Ayanna Howard, a pioneering artificial intelligence researcher, roboticist, and former NASA engineer, as its next president. Howard will become the college’s 12th president, succeeding Dr. Helene Gayle, and is set to assume the role later this year. Widely recognized for her work in artificial intelligence, robotics, and STEM education, Howard previously served as dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University and spent more than a decade at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she contributed to advanced robotics projects and space exploration initiatives.
College leaders said Howard’s appointment marks a significant moment for Spelman as the institution continues to strengthen its leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics ( ). Her selection follows a national search process and comes as Spelman looks to build on its legacy while preparing students to lead in an increasingly technology-driven world.