Spelman College, a leading historically Black liberal arts institution for women, announced Ayanna M. Howard as its new president. This decision marks a shift for the college, which has traditionally focused on liberal arts. Howard is renowned for her work in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Previously, Howard served as the dean of Ohio State University’s engineering college. Her appointment at Spelman reflects the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in light of the increasing influence of artificial intelligence.
Howard emphasized the importance of liberal arts students in the development of AI technologies. She stated, “Students should question the implications of AI and consider the ethical dimensions before pursuing innovations.”
Spelman, with around 2,700 students, is known for its academic rigor. Howard believes this gives the college an advantage in adapting its curriculum and teaching methods to include AI. However, she assured that such changes would honor Spelman’s legacy and involve collaboration with faculty and students.
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