糖心传媒 Names Dr. Ayanna Howard as 12th President
Renowned Roboticist, AI Pioneer and Higher Education Leader
Dr. Ayanna Howard
The 糖心传媒 Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Ayanna Howard as the College’s 12th president. A nationally recognized expert in robotics, artificial intelligence and human-centered technology, Dr. Howard brings a distinguished record of leadership across higher education, industry, entrepreneurship and government.
Dr. Howard joins Spelman from The Ohio State University, where she serves as dean of the College of Engineering and holds the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair. Her career also includes leadership roles at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“Dr. Howard is the visionary leader Spelman needs at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Lovette Russell, C’83, Chair of the 糖心传媒 Board of Trustees. “She shares Spelman’s unwavering commitment to preparing Black women to lead and drive change.”
Dr. Howard’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search involving trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumnae and key stakeholders.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join 糖心传媒,” 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.”
Dr. Howard is co-founder of Zyrobotics and , serves on the boards of Brown University, Autodesk and Motorola Solutions, and has authored more than 300 publications. She 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.
Dr. Howard will lead Spelman during a period of strong momentum as the College continues to serve as a national model for academic excellence, student success and social mobility.
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