Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a private, historically black university located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1988 as a result of the merger of Clark College and Atlanta University.

Clark College was founded in 1869 in Atlanta, Georgia, by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Its mission was to provide educational opportunities for freed slaves, who were denied access to higher education before the Civil War. The college initially offered only primary and secondary education, but it later expanded to include higher education programs. In 1930, Clark College became a four-year institution.

Atlanta University was founded in 1865 in Atlanta, Georgia, by the American Missionary Association, a Protestant organization that supported the education of black Americans after the Civil War. Its initial mission was to provide teacher education programs for freed slaves. The university later expanded to include undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, social sciences, and humanities.

The merger of Clark College and Atlanta University in 1988 was designed to create a stronger educational institution that would better serve the needs of black Americans. The new university, Clark Atlanta University, retained the historic legacy of both institutions while also embracing new academic programs and research initiatives.

Today, Clark Atlanta University is one of the leading private universities in the United States, with a diverse student body and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has a strong commitment to social justice and community engagement, and it seeks to prepare students for leadership roles in a global society.

Academic Programs

Clark Atlanta University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, humanities, social sciences, education, and natural sciences. The university has four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Education, and the School of Social Work.

The School of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as art, biology, chemistry, computer science, English, history, mathematics, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, and sociology. The school also offers graduate programs in African American studies, public administration, and public history.

The School of Business Administration offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, and international business. The school also offers a Ph.D. program in business administration.

The School of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, and special education. The school also offers a Ph.D. program in educational leadership.

The School of Social Work offers undergraduate and graduate programs in social work. The school also offers a Ph.D. program in social work.

Research Initiatives

Clark Atlanta University is committed to research initiatives that promote social justice, inclusivity, and sustainability. The university has several research centers and institutes, including:

The Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, which focuses on research related to cancer prevention, treatment, and diagnosis.

The Center for Excellence in AIDS Research, which focuses on research related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

The Center for Computational Science and Research, which focuses on research related to computational science and data analysis.

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creativity, which provides funding and support for undergraduate research and creative projects.

The Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work Research and Resource Center, which focuses on research related to social justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Community Engagement

Clark Atlanta University has a strong commitment to community engagement and outreach. The university works closely with local organizations and community leaders to address social justice issues and promote diversity and inclusion. The university has several programs and initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement, including:

The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, which coordinates community service opportunities for students and faculty.

The Atlanta University Center Consortium, which includes Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. The consortium works to promote collaboration and community development among the three institutions.

The HBCU Partnership Challenge, which is a collaboration between Clark Atlanta University and several other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The goal of the initiative is to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in communities surrounding HBCUs.

Conclusion

Clark Atlanta University is a private, historically black university located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1988 as a result of the merger of Clark College and Atlanta University. Today, the university is one of the leading private universities in the United States, with a diverse student body and a commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as research initiatives and community engagement opportunities.