Spelman College has announced the appointment of Dr. Ayanna Howard as its 12th president, ushering in a new era of leadership for the nation’s top-ranked Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

The announcement was made by the college’s Board of Trustees on June 5, with Howard officially assuming the role on August 1, 2026.

A nationally recognized leader in robotics, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and higher education, Howard currently serves as dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. She also holds the prestigious Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair and brings decades of experience spanning academia, technology, government, and innovation.

Before joining Ohio State, Howard built an impressive career that included leadership roles at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is widely known for advancing human-centered technology and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities in STEM.

“Dr. Howard is the visionary leader Spelman needs at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Lovette Russell, chair of Spelman’s Board of Trustees. “She honors Spelman’s rich legacy while bringing the bold leadership necessary to advance its future.”

Howard is the co-founder of Zyrobotics, a company focused on educational and therapeutic technologies for children with special needs, and Black in Robotics, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity and representation within the robotics industry.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Howard said she is honored to join one of the nation’s most respected institutions.

“Students choose Spelman because they want to make a difference in the world, and as the world changes, we must equip them to thrive,” Howard said. “At a time when technology, the workforce, and society are evolving rapidly, Spelman’s mission has never been more important.”

Howard’s accomplishments have earned national recognition. She has authored more than 300 publications, serves on several corporate and academic boards, and has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Inventors. Forbes previously recognized her among America’s Top 50 Women in Tech.

Howard succeeds interim president Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, the Spelman alumna and former Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO who has guided the institution for the past 18 months.

Brewer praised the progress made during her tenure and expressed confidence in the college’s future under Howard’s leadership. Following her interim presidency, Brewer will continue serving as co-chair of the Spelman Forward campaign, the college’s historic fundraising initiative focused on scholarships, faculty excellence, student success, and long-term sustainability.

Howard takes the helm during a period of continued national prominence for Spelman. The Atlanta-based institution has been ranked the No. 1 HBCU by U.S. News & World Report for 19 consecutive years and remains one of the nation’s leading producers of Black women earning doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines.

Founded in 1881, Spelman College enrolls approximately 2,700 students and continues to serve as a global leader in educating women of African descent while preparing the next generation of innovators, scholars, and changemakers.

The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl is entering a new era.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame has officially announced that the premier HBCU postseason all-star game will relocate from New Orleans to Atlanta beginning in 2027. The sixth annual HBCU Legacy Bowl is scheduled to take place on February 27, 2027, at Center Parc Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

Since its launch in 2021, the HBCU Legacy Bowl has become one of the most important showcases for draft-eligible HBCU football players, giving student-athletes the opportunity to perform in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 NFL teams.

According to event organizers, the move to Atlanta is designed to create greater opportunities for athletes, coaches, students, and corporate partners while expanding the reach of the event’s highly successful Career Fair.

“Atlanta represents tremendous growth and opportunity for the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl and the young people we serve,” said Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII MVP and co-founder of the Black College Football Hall of Fame. “We believe this next chapter will elevate the experience for our students, fans, partners, and NFL scouts while continuing to honor the proud traditions and lasting impact of HBCU football.”

Williams and fellow Black College Football Hall of Fame co-founder James “Shack” Harris launched the HBCU Legacy Bowl in 2021. Over the past five years, the event has been hosted at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium in New Orleans with support from the NFL and the New Orleans Saints organization.

The game features top talent from HBCU programs across the country, including players from the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, SIAC, independent HBCUs, and NAIA programs. Participants are divided into Team Gaither and Team Robinson, named after legendary coaches Jake Gaither and Eddie G. Robinson.

Beyond football, the HBCU Legacy Bowl has established itself as a powerful platform for career development. The annual Career Fair connects HBCU students and graduates with leading employers, professional organizations, and networking opportunities that extend well beyond the playing field.

“Atlanta offers increased accessibility, expanded accommodations, and a broader platform to continue growing the impact of our mission,” organizers noted.

James “Shack” Harris emphasized the importance of continued support from Allstate, stating that the partnership has helped transform the event into a premier opportunity for HBCU student-athletes while creating meaningful career pathways for students and graduates.

With Atlanta’s rich HBCU culture, thriving business community, and status as a major transportation hub, many believe the move will further elevate the national profile of the HBCU Legacy Bowl and the talented athletes it showcases.

As the event prepares for its next chapter, one thing remains unchanged: its mission to celebrate HBCU excellence while opening doors to opportunities both on and off the field.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has reached an early milestone in its ambitious $50 million, 10-year scholarship commitment, announcing that more than $4.2 million has already been distributed to students attending Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Launched in October 2025, the initiative is designed to provide critical “gap funding” to juniors and seniors who are closest to graduation but may be held back by remaining financial balances. The program focuses specifically on students in their final semesters, a period when financial pressure is often most intense and traditional aid options have been exhausted.

To date, the foundation has supported approximately 600 students across three major HBCUs in Atlanta: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College.

Breakdowns provided by the foundation show $1.45 million distributed to 290 students at Clark Atlanta, $1.24 million to 115 students at Morehouse, and $1.65 million to 189 students at Spelman.

Among the recipients is Kayla Drummond, a first-generation Clark Atlanta University student who is set to graduate this year. Drummond used the scholarship assistance to eliminate a remaining balance that had threatened her ability to complete her degree.

“From my first time stepping on Clark Atlanta’s campus I felt a sense of family and this is where I belong,” Drummond said. “This diploma isn’t just for me, it’s for my family, it’s for my friends, the love, the prayers, the support.”

Foundation leaders say the program is built to scale over the next decade, with the goal of supporting thousands of students while encouraging broader investment in HBCU student success nationwide.

“We’ve seen what’s possible when students get the support they need to cross the finish line,” said Margaret Connelly, managing director of Founder Initiatives at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “That’s what drives this work, and why we hope this initiative encourages others to invest in closing these gaps and helping more students achieve the futures they’ve worked so hard to reach.”

The initiative continues to position itself as one of the most significant private scholarship efforts supporting HBCU students in recent years.

Former HBCU basketball standout Xavier Mills is continuing to expand his presence in Hollywood, landing another notable role that further elevates his growing acting career.

Mills, a former player at Winston-Salem State University, appears in the new Amazon/MGM thriller Is God Is, sharing the screen with Emmy-winning actor Sterling K. Brown. In the film, Mills plays Brown’s son, marking one of his most high-profile roles to date.

The project adds another major credit to a résumé that is quickly gaining momentum across film and television. Adapted from Aleshea Harris’ award-winning stage play, Is God Is centers on a dark, revenge-driven narrative rooted in family trauma and emotional intensity, featuring a cast that also includes Vivica A. Fox and Erika Alexander.

For Mills, the opportunity represents more than just another acting job—it is another step in a transition from athlete to working actor on major productions.

The Greenville, North Carolina native has been steadily building his profile in the entertainment industry. Many audiences first became familiar with him through his role as football player Nishan Leonard in Hulu’s Chad Powers, with Mills also set to return for the show’s upcoming second season.

His athletic background remains a defining part of his on-screen identity. Mills has spoken about how his experience as a college athlete helps him bring authenticity to sports-related roles, emphasizing discipline, preparation, and mindset.

He has also appeared alongside Wanda Sykes in Undercard and is expected to feature in Netflix’s upcoming project Fight for 84, further broadening his portfolio across genres.

Working on Is God Is also gave Mills the chance to learn from seasoned performers like Sterling K. Brown, whom he has credited with teaching him the importance of preparation, presence, and composure on set.

As his career continues to evolve, Mills represents a growing wave of former HBCU athletes finding new lanes in entertainment while carrying their athletic discipline into creative spaces.

For Mills, the mission remains centered on growth, faith, and longevity—both on screen and beyond it.

Credit: Story originally reported by Steven J. Gaither, HBCU Gameday (via Kansas City Star / McClatchy distribution) | Updated May 25, 2026

New details have emerged regarding the death of former Virginia Union football standout William Davis, whose passing at the age of 22 shocked the HBCU football community earlier this month.

According to a report from TMZ, Davis died from gunshot wounds to the chest. Initial reports following his death did not disclose a cause, though authorities indicated the incident was being investigated as a possible suicide. Officials have stated that the investigation remains ongoing.

Davis built an impressive collegiate career during his time at Virginia Union University, where he developed into one of the program’s most impactful defensive playmakers. From 2022 through 2024, he appeared in 19 games and recorded 50 total tackles, including 37 solo stops. His defensive production also included 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, five interceptions, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Beyond his contributions on the field, Davis was recognized for his commitment to academics and leadership. Before entering the transfer portal, he earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial management while helping establish a winning culture within the Panthers football program.

Following his success at Virginia Union, Davis continued his football journey at West Virginia Mountaineers football, where he appeared in one game before later joining the Sam Houston Bearkats football program.

The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from former teammates, coaches, classmates, and fans throughout the HBCU sports community. Many have remembered Davis not only for his athletic ability but also for the impact he made on those around him during his collegiate career.

HBCU Original extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, teammates, and loved ones of William Davis during this difficult time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.