Ayanna Howard Named President of Spelman College

Spelman College, a renowned historically Black liberal arts institution for women, announced Ayanna M. Howard as its new president. Known for its tradition in liberal arts, Spelman’s choice of Howard, a roboticist and artificial intelligence (AI) expert, marks a significant shift in leadership.

Howard, previously the dean of Ohio State University’s engineering college, brings a unique perspective to Spelman, a college with a 145-year history. Past presidents of the college have included individuals in medical, anthropological, and psychological fields. However, Howard’s appointment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of AI and its potential impact on the global workforce, especially within higher education.

In discussing her vision for Spelman, Howard emphasized the importance of engaging students in critical inquiry about the implications of AI. She highlighted the need for students to question the ethical dimensions of technology, asking, “Just because we can, should we?”

Howard expressed confidence in Spelman’s ability to adapt to the changing educational landscape. With around 2,700 students, the college’s size allows for flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods. Despite these shifts, she committed to maintaining Spelman’s foundational values by involving both professors and students in the process of change.