LITTLE ROCK, AR. — The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) celebrates the appointment of Dr. Ayanna Howard as the 12th president of Spelman College, one of the nation’s premier historically Black colleges and a global leader in the education of Black women. Dr. Howard will assume the presidency on August 1, 2026.
A Renowned roboticist, entrepreneur, educator, and higher education leader, Dr. Howard brings a distinguished record of innovation and transformative leadership to Spelman. Prior to her appointment, she served as dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, where she advanced engineering education, research excellence, and student success. Her career includes leadership roles in academia, entrepreneurship, and government service, including work with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“On behalf of HCF, I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Ayanna Howard on her historic appointment as the 12th president of Spelman College. Dr. Howard’s remarkable accomplishments in science, technology, engineering, artificial intelligence, and higher education leadership make her uniquely positioned to lead one of the nation’s most distinguished institutions. Her appointment represents a powerful statement about the future of higher education and the important of ensuring that Black women continue to lead, innovate, and shape the world. We are confident that under her leadership, Spelman College will continue to strengthen its legacy of academic excellence while expanding its impact across the nation and around the globe.”
— Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF
Founded in 1881, Spelman College has long served as a beacon of educational opportunity, leadership development, and social change. Dr. Howard’s appointment marks a new chapter in the institution’s storied history and comes a pivotal moment as colleges and universities continue to expand opportunities in STEM, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
HCF applauds Spelman College Board of Trustees for its selection and joins the broader higher education community in celebrating his historic appointment. HCF looks forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of Spelman College under Dr. Howard’s leadership.
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About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) is an educational non-profit and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting HBCUs and MSIs. Founded in 2012, its core mission focuses on raising funds for student scholarships, developing campus programming, and advocating for higher education equity. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.
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