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ATLANTA — Spelman College, the renowned historically Black liberal arts college for women, has appointed Dr. Ayanna Howard as its 12th president. The announcement marks a significant step for the institution as it seeks to blend its strong liberal arts tradition with cutting-edge preparation for an AI-driven future.
Dr. Howard, currently the dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University (where she holds the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair), will assume the role on August 1, 2026. She succeeds Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, who has led the college since the 2024 resignation of former President Helene Gayle.
With robot dogs patrolling Atlanta parking lots now, the hire makes sense. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Howard.
Spelman College Names Roboticist Ayanna Howard President
“I believe in AI. I believe in robotics. I believe in the benefits just like I believe in education and the limitless potential of the next generation of diverse engineers,” Howard has said.
A Trailblazer in Robotics and AI
A nationally recognized roboticist, artificial intelligence expert, entrepreneur, and educator, Dr. Howard brings an extraordinary breadth of experience to Spelman.
“As a child, I wanted to build a bionic woman,” she wrote in an essay. “I identified robotics as the one field that could allow me to do that… It was the idea of using robotics to save the world, while still being a human, that interested me.”
Her career includes work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (1993–2005), where she served as a senior robotics researcher and deputy manager in the Office of the Chief Scientist. She later held leadership roles at Georgia Tech, including chair of the School of Interactive Computing and founder/director of the Human-Automation Systems Lab.
In 2013, she founded Zyrobotics, a Georgia Tech spin-off company that develops mobile therapy and educational products for children with special needs, leveraging her research in human-centered robotics. She also co-founded Black in Robotics, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the field.
Howard’s appointment is seen as a powerful signal for empowering Black women in STEM. Her vision aligns closely with Spelman’s mission: preparing students to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving technological landscape while honoring the college’s 145-year legacy of academic excellence and leadership development for Black women.
Deep Personal and Institutional Ties
Dr. Howard has longstanding connections to Spelman. Her mother taught at the college, and Howard herself served as the first outside funder for Spelman’s SpelBots robotics team, which has competed internationally. She has expressed deep enthusiasm for returning to Atlanta and contributing to the institution that shaped so many leaders.
“I am excited for this opportunity to serve the students, faculty, and staff at Spelman College as their new president,” Howard said in a statement. “I want to thank the incredible community at Ohio State and in the College of Engineering for the success we have achieved together.”
Interim President Rosalind Brewer and Ohio State leadership praised the appointment. Brewer and the Board of Trustees highlighted Howard’s brilliance as a leader, while Ohio State’s interim executive vice president and provost, Trevor Brown, wished her “tremendous success.”
Vision for the Future: Liberal Arts Meets Technology
Howard aims to strengthen Spelman’s ability to address the tech challenges ahead by integrating liberal arts education with innovation in robotics, AI, and human-centered technology. This approach represents a departure from Spelman’s traditional focus, but many see it as a strategic evolution for producing graduates ready to shape an increasingly automated world.
Reactions and Some Concerns
The appointment has been widely celebrated by the Spelman community, alumni, and STEM advocates who view Howard as a role model for young Black women. However, a small number of voices have raised concerns about AI’s societal impacts, tying into broader local and national debates about technology, ethics, and community effects.
Overall, the selection of Dr. Ayanna Howard signals Spelman College’s commitment to innovation while staying rooted in its core values of empowerment, excellence, and service. As she steps into the role this August, the institution looks forward to a new chapter under her leadership.
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Morehouse College stands as a beacon of excellence among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As the nation’s only historically Black private liberal arts college for men, it has shaped leaders for over 150 years.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, near all-girl Spelman College, Morehouse combines rigorous academics, a strong brotherhood, and a commitment to producing “Men of Morehouse” who lead lives of consequence.
Morehouse College: The Ultimate Guide
Parents and students seeking a transformative experience that emphasizes character, scholarship, and service should consider Morehouse. It ranks highly and boasts notable alumni while offering access to the vibrant Atlanta University Center (AUC) consortium.
READ: Where to eat near the AU Center.
Morehouse College: A Rich History of Leadership and Legacy
Morehouse College traces its roots to 1867, when it began as the Augusta Institute in a church basement to educate formerly enslaved men. It moved to Atlanta and became Morehouse College in 1913, honoring a key supporter.
The college has produced extraordinary leaders, including:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Class of 1948)
- Filmmaker Spike Lee
- Actor Samuel L. Jackson
- U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock
- Former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson
- Olympic champion Edwin Moses
- And others, including Rhodes Scholars and business titans.
Its legacy includes full accreditation in 1957, partnerships in the AUC (with Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University), and milestones like President Barack Obama’s 2013 commencement address. Today, Morehouse continues to emphasize global leadership through centers like the Andrew Young Center.
Why Choose Morehouse? Rankings, Reputation, and the ‘Morehouse Man’
Morehouse earns consistent national recognition:
- #3 HBCU in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings (up from #5)
- #1 Best Value School among HBCUs
- #96 among National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Top performer on social mobility.
The “Morehouse Man” ideal focuses on scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Small classes (14:1 student-to-faculty ratio) and mentorship foster personal growth in a supportive all-male environment.
AUC Advantage: Students access shared resources, cross-registration, and social opportunities with neighboring institutions, enriching the experience in Atlanta’s dynamic setting.
Academics and Programs
Morehouse offers 30+ majors across divisions in Humanities, Social Sciences, Media & the Arts, and STEM. Popular areas include business, biology, political science, film studies, and public health.
Special programs include:
- Oprah Winfrey Scholars
- Howard Thurman Honors Program
- Dual-degree options (e.g., with Georgia Tech)
- Online bachelor’s programs for transfer students
- Research centers in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and Black men’s studies.
The college emphasizes experiential learning, study abroad, and career preparation through the Frederick Douglass Academic Success Center and robust internship networks.
Admissions: What You Need to Know
Morehouse is selective, with recent acceptance rates around 33-44% and rising applicant quality.
Key Requirements (First-Year Applicants):
- Completed Common Application or Morehouse application
- High school transcript (average GPA ~3.6)
- Two letters of recommendation (one from counselor)
- Essay
- SAT/ACT scores (test-optional in many cycles; ranges typically ACT 18-25)
- Optional resume.
Application Deadlines (Fall 2026 Cycle):
- Early Decision: November 1, 2025 (binding)
- Early Action: December 15, 2025
- Regular Decision: February 1, 2026.
Record applications (over 6,200 recently) reflect growing interest. Visit campus or take a virtual tour to experience the community.
For Transfer, International, and Online Students: Separate pathways exist, with rolling decisions and specific credit/GPA requirements.
Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid
2025-2026 Tuition & Fees (approximate; check official site for updates):
- Tuition: Around $34,000
- Total cost of attendance (including room, board, etc.): Often $40,000+ before aid.
Morehouse commits to affordability with generous need-based aid, scholarships, and an average first-year aid package supporting ~80% of students. Complete the FAFSA early. Strong value rankings make it accessible for many families.
Campus Life: Brotherhood, Athletics, and Atlanta
Morehouse’s 66-acre Atlanta campus fosters a residential experience (many freshmen live on campus). Students enjoy 80+ clubs, student government, cultural organizations, and the famous Morehouse Glee Club.
Athletics: Maroon Tigers compete in NCAA Division II (SIAC) with strong programs in football, basketball, and track.
Fitness facilities, dining, health services, and 24/7 safety support student well-being. The AUC provides broader social and cultural opportunities.
Notable Alumni Outcomes and Career Support
Morehouse alumni excel in politics, entertainment, business, medicine, and public service. The strong network and career services help graduates secure meaningful roles with high social mobility.
Morehouse College Famous Alumni
Morehouse College, a historically Black men’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, has produced many influential leaders in civil rights, politics, entertainment, business, academia, sports, and other fields.
Here is a list of some of its most famous alumni (with graduation years where available), grouped by primary area of prominence:
Civil Rights & Religion
- Martin Luther King Jr. (1948) — Iconic civil rights leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and pastor.
- Martin Luther King Sr. (1931) — Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and father of MLK Jr.
- Julian Bond (attended) — Civil rights activist, NAACP chairman, and Georgia state representative.
- Raphael Warnock (1991) — U.S. Senator (D-GA) and senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Entertainment & Arts
- Samuel L. Jackson (1972) — Acclaimed actor (one of the highest-grossing of all time).
- Spike Lee (1979) — Acclaimed filmmaker, director, and producer.
- John David Washington (2006) — Actor (BlacKkKlansman, Tenet).
- Brian Tyree Henry (2004) — Actor (Atlanta).
- Bill Nunn (1976) — Actor (frequent Spike Lee collaborator).
- Rockmond Dunbar — Actor (Soul Food, Prison Break).
- PJ Morton (2003) — Grammy-winning musician (Maroon 5 keyboardist/solo artist).
- Others: Metro Boomin (producer), Guru (rapper), Fonzworth Bentley, Erik King, Saul Williams.
Politics, Government & Law
- Maynard Jackson (1956) — First Black mayor of Atlanta.
- Jeh Johnson (1979) — Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
- Louis W. Sullivan (1954) — Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.25
- David Satcher (1963) — Former U.S. Surgeon General.
- Sanford Bishop (1968) — U.S. Congressman (GA).
- Others: Bakari Sellers, Cedric Richmond, numerous judges, mayors, and state legislators.
Business & Academia
- Herman Cain (1967) — Business executive (Godfather’s Pizza CEO) and 2012 presidential candidate.
- Walter E. Massey (1958) — Physicist, former Morehouse president, and National Science Foundation director.
- Others include college presidents, executives, and scholars like Eddie Glaude and Calvin Mackie.
Sports & Other
- Edwin Moses (1978) — Olympic gold medalist in hurdles and world record holder.
This is not exhaustive—Morehouse has over 20,000 alumni with strong representation in leadership across sectors.
Is Morehouse Right for Your Son?
Morehouse suits ambitious young men seeking:
- A values-driven, brotherhood-focused environment
- Leadership development
- Academic rigor in a supportive HBCU setting
- Lifelong connections and a legacy of impact
Parents appreciate the emphasis on character, safety, and outcomes. Students gain confidence and purpose.
Next Steps:
- Visit morehouse.edu or schedule a tour.
- Prepare a strong application with thoughtful essays highlighting leadership.
- Explore financial aid options early.
- Connect with current students or admissions counselors.
Morehouse College offers more than a degree—it builds men ready to change the world. For families prioritizing excellence, legacy, and purpose, it represents an outstanding choice. Apply today and join a brotherhood that has shaped history for over 150 years.
