Spelman College, a historically Black liberal arts institution for women, has announced the appointment of Ayanna M. Howard as its new president. This marks a significant step for the college, which has traditionally had leaders from fields such as medicine, anthropology, and psychology.
Ayanna Howard is recognized as a noted roboticist and expert in artificial intelligence. Her previous role was the dean of Ohio State University’s engineering college. Her selection comes at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly influential in the global workforce.
Dr. Howard believes that liberal arts students should actively engage with and question the developments in A.I. She emphasizes the importance of considering not only whether something can be done with A.I., but whether it should be done. “Students ought to probe and poke and ask the questions,” she said in an interview.
Spelman College is well-regarded among historically Black colleges and universities, with an enrollment of about 2,700 students. Dr. Howard suggests that the college’s esteemed academic standing and relatively small size position it advantageously to respond to the A.I. boom. This adaptability allows the institution to modify its curriculum and teaching methods effectively.
Any changes she envisions will respect the college’s legacy and depend on active collaboration with faculty and students.
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