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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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In a heartwarming display of family bonds and sisterhood, Angelina Jolie joined her eldest daughter, Zahara Jolie, at a special Mother-Daughter Luncheon hosted by the Pearls of Purpose Foundation and the Nu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc.
The elegant event took place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Zahara, 21, a graduating senior at the prestigious historically Black college for women, is a psychology major (with a minor in educational studies) and an active member of Spelman’s Mu Pi Chapter of AKA, where she serves as vice president.
The luncheon, held ahead of Mother’s Day, celebrated the powerful connections between mothers and daughters within the sorority community.
Heartfelt Speeches Highlight a ‘Kindred’ Bond
The event featured touching tributes, with Zahara taking the stage to speak on the value of mother-daughter relationships. Her words resonated deeply with attendees.
“When asked to speak with you all today on the value of mother-daughter relationships, it felt challenging to find the words,” Zahara shared. “Not challenging because I don’t value it, but because my mom and I have a unique, almost kindred relationship that can be hard to put into words.”
She continued by praising her mother’s influence: “I’m a strong woman because a strong woman raised me,” and described Angelina as the “most selfless” person and her role model. Zahara concluded with a simple, emotional “Thank you, Mom.”
Angelina Jolie, 50, also addressed the gathering, reflecting on her pride in Zahara’s growth and their shared journey. The pair’s appearances at such events remain relatively rare, making this a particularly special public moment for the family.
Sisterhood and Style in Full Bloom
The luncheon brought together other notable mother-daughter pairs, including Real Housewives of Potomac star Gizelle Bryant and her daughter Angel, 19, who is also a Spelman student and AKA member. Gizelle shared a joyful photo on Instagram Stories featuring both families, captioning it “Mother Daughter Magic.”
Fashion-wise, the duo embraced a soft spring palette perfect for the occasion. Angelina opted for a sleek, elegant cream gown, while Zahara wore a soft floral dress, creating a polished and coordinated look amid the garden-party setting.
The event underscored themes of legacy, intention, and empowerment—core values of AKA and Spelman College. For Zahara, it highlighted not only her academic and sorority achievements but also the strong foundation built by her mother, who adopted her as a baby from Ethiopia in 2005.
This mother-daughter milestone celebrates more than celebrity glamour; it reflects personal growth, cultural pride, and the enduring impact of mentorship and love.
As Zahara prepares to graduate, moments like these remind us of the quiet strength in family ties and the power of community.
The luncheon stands as a beautiful tribute to the special bond that continues to inspire both on and off the Spelman campus.
