Dr. Ayanna Howard Appointed 12th President of Spelman College
Renowned Roboticist, AI Pioneer and Higher Education Leader
Ayanna Howard, Ph.D.
Dr. Ayanna Howard is a renowned roboticist, artificial intelligence pioneer, entrepreneur, and higher education leader who will serve as the 12th president of Spelman College, the nation's top-ranked historically Black college or university (HBCU).
Dr. Howard served as dean of The Ohio State University College of Engineering, one of the largest engineering colleges in the nation, where she oversaw strategic initiatives focused on student success, research excellence, innovation, and workforce development. Prior to Ohio State, she served as chair of the School of Interactive Computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology and founded the Human-Automation Systems Lab, a research group focused on developing intelligent systems that enhance the capabilities of humans and machines.
Howard began her career at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she held multiple leadership and research positions, including senior robotics researcher and deputy manager in the Office of the Chief Scientist. Her work contributed to the development of autonomous robotic systems and next-generation technologies designed to operate in complex and challenging environments.
A passionate advocate for expanding access to STEM education and leadership opportunities, Howard co-founded Zyrobotics, a company focused on creating educational and therapeutic technologies for children with special needs, and is a co-founder of Black in Robotics, an organization dedicated to increasing representation and opportunity within the robotics profession.
Throughout her career, Howard has worked to create pathways for women, underrepresented communities, and future innovators to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She is a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has championed initiatives focused on mentorship, educational access, and leadership development.
Howard's achievements have earned national and international recognition. She has been named to Forbes' America's Top 50 Women in Tech and 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 currently serves on the boards of Autodesk and Motorola Solutions and is widely sought after as a speaker and thought leader on the future of technology, artificial intelligence, leadership, and education.
Howard earned a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Brown University, master's and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California, and an MBA from Claremont Graduate University.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join Spelman College,” said Dr. Howard. “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.”
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