The History

An essential element of any introduction pertaining to Clark Atlanta University is its unique history. Atlanta University from its very start in boxcar housing, to the birth of Clark College in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Clark Atlanta’s roots offer a rich history lesson in the development of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Atlanta University, founded in 1865, by the American Missionary Association, with later assistance from the Freedman’s Bureau, was, before consolidation, the nation’s oldest graduate institution serving a predominantly African American student body. By the late 1870s, Atlanta University had begun granting bachelor degrees and supplying black teachers and librarians to the public schools of the South. In 1929-30, it began offering graduate education exclusively in various liberal arts areas and in the social and natural sciences. It gradually added professional programs in social work, library science, and business administration. At the same time, Atlanta University affiliated with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges in a university plan known as the Atlanta University System. The campus was moved to its present site, and the modern organization of the Atlanta University Center emerged, with Clark College, Morris Brown College, and the Interdenominational Theological Center joining the affiliation later. The story of Atlanta University over the next twenty years from 1930 includes many significant developments. The Schools of Library Science, Education, and Business Administration were established in 1941, 1944, and 1946 respectively. The Atlanta School of Social Work, long associated with the University, gave up its charter in 1947 to become an integral part of the University.

Clark College was founded in 1869 as Clark University by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which later became the United Methodist Church. The University was named for Bishop Davis W. Clark, who was the first President of the Freedmen’s Aid Society, and became Bishop in 1864. A sparsely furnished room in Clark Chapel, a Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta’s Summer Hill section, housed the first Clark College Class. In 1871, the school relocated to a new site on the newly purchased Whitehall and McDaniel Street property. In 1877, the School was chartered as Clark University.

An early benefactor, Bishop Gilbert Haven, visualized Clark as the “University” of all the Methodist schools founded for the education of freedmen. Strategically located in the gateway to the South, Clark was founded to “give tone” to all the other educational institutions of the Methodist Episcopal Church providing education for Negro youth. After the school had changed locations several times, Bishop Haven, who succeeded Bishop Clark, was instrumental in acquiring 450 acres in South Atlanta, where in 1880 (the institution relocated in 1883) the school conferred its first degree. Also in 1883, Clark established a department, named for Dr. Elijah H. Gammon, known as the Gammon School of Theology, which in 1888 became an independent theological seminary and is now part of the Interdenominational Theological Center.

For purposes of economy and efficiency, during the 1930s it was decided that Clark would join the Atlanta University Complex. In the winter of 1939 work began across town on an entirely new physical plant adjoining Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. In 1957, the controlling Boards of the six institutions (Atlanta University; Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown and Spelman Colleges; and Gammon Theological Seminary) ratified new Articles of Affiliation creating the Atlanta University Center, the most prevalent consortium of African-American private institutions of higher education in the nation.

During the 1980s, some of the advantages of proximity, which had seemed promising earlier, again became evident. On July 1, 1988, Clark Atlanta University, through consolidation of Clark College and Atlanta University, “Charted a Bold New Future.” The new and historic University inherits the rich traditions of two independent institutions, connected over the years by a common heritage and commitment, by personal, corporate and consortia relationships, and by location. The University has preserved the best of the past and present by retaining Atlanta University’s motto, “I’ll Find a Way or Make One,” and Clark College’s motto, “Culture for Service” in its seal.

The first President of Clark Atlanta University was Dr. Thomas W. Cole, Jr., who served concurrently as the President of both Atlanta University and Clark College prior to consolidation. Dr. Walter D. Broadnax became the second President for Clark Atlanta University on August 1, 2002, and served until his retirement on July 31, 2008. The third President is Dr. Carlton E. Brown, assuming leadership on August 1, 2008.

Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University (CAU), formed in 1988 as a result of the consolidation of two independent historically black institutions — Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), is a United Methodist Church-related, private, coeducational, residential, and comprehensive urban research university. The University offers undergraduate, graduate and professional, and non-degree certificate programs.

Mission

Building on its social justice history and heritage, through innovative teaching, research, scholarship, and service, Clark Atlanta University (CAU), a historically Black university transforms student lives and equips them for leadership in the global society.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, October 13, 2023

Vision

Clark Atlanta University will have a cultural and transformative impact on future generations through thought-provoking research, innovative academic programs, and services and support.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, October 13, 2023

Core Values

Our core values guide the University community and are foundational in achieving its strategic vision.

• People – Create a culture of community and belonging that demonstrates/reflects a positive campus environment for all.
• Respect – Honor the dignity and worth of all individuals as we foster a culture of service.
• Innovation – Ignite new possibilities in research and advance knowledge that serves humanity.
• Diversity – Embrace and celebrate the diverse experiences of our students, faculty, and staff as we work to build a supportive and inclusive campus community.
• Excellence – Commit to high-quality standards and quest for truth, in all we do.

 (Approved by the Board of Trustees, October 13, 2023)

“CAU P.R.I.D.E.S Itself on Being …”

People-Centric

Treat students, colleagues, and broad beneficiaries of our services with professionalism, respect, responsiveness, focused on effective solutions.

Research-Focused, Innovative and Creative

Ignite new possibilities in research and advance knowledge of humankind.

Inclusive and Accountable

Promote collaboration and unity among students, faculty, and staff to provide a significant contribution are added to the University’s body of knowledge.

Diverse and Global

Embrace and support all forms of human differences, ideas and perspectives, and our natural environment.

Excellence

Commit to high-quality in all we do to achieve our noble cause.

Student-Centered

Commit to leveraging our students’ experience through teaching, learning, and service.

(Approved by the Board of Trustees, May 17, 2019)

Campus Cultural Creed

Clark Atlanta University is committed to academic excellence, building character and service to others. The University will achieve its mission by cultivating an environment of honesty, kindness, mutual respect, self-discipline, school loyalty, trust, academic integrity and communal pride. “As a member of this scholarly community, I make the following pledge:

• I will work to promote academic honesty and integrity;
• I will work to cultivate a learning environment which opposes violence, vulgarity, lewdness and selfishness;
• I will embrace the concept of mutual respect by treating others the way I want them to treat me;
• I will support a campus culture of diversity by respecting the rights of those whose views and experiences differ from my own;
• I will honor and care for the sanctity of my body as the temple of God;
• I will commit myself to service so that I can make a difference in the world and a difference for more than just myself;
• I will celebrate and contribute to the “spirit of greatness” left by those who preceded me and I will work to leave this a better place for those who follow me.

As a member of this community, I am committed to conducting myself in ways that contribute to a civil campus environment which encourages positive behavior in others. I accept the responsibility to uphold these noble ideals as a proud member of the Clark Atlanta University Family.”

Strategic Priorities and Goals

• Student Transformation
• Academic Transformation
• Institutional Transformation
• Financial Transformation

CAU 2023-2028 Strategic Plan Approved by the Board of Trustees, October 13, 2023

STRATEGIC PILLAR 1: STUDENT transformation

The student transformation at Clark Atlanta University is anchored in the institution’s unique history and heritage. The CAU Student experience encompasses all aspects of a student’s life both within and outside of the classroom. In a supportive and nurturing learning environment, students actively pursue academic achievement that incorporates knowledge, innovation, research entrepreneurship, social justice, artistic expression, cultural awareness, and professional development.

GOALS

1. Attract and recruit talented students who will become future leaders committed to service and community.
2. Strengthen graduate student enrollment and funding to promote sustainable growth by discipline.
3. Foster student engagement through quality programming and personalized supports that nurture their holistic development, sense of well-being, and success both in, and outside of the classroom.

STRATEGIC PILLAR 2: ACADEMIC transformation

Academic transformation at Clark Atlanta University will be centered on the development and support of our faculty, the intellectual growth of our students, and our ongoing commitment to innovation, transformative research, the arts, and scholarship.

The University will embrace the opportunities of the future through a commitment to developing and supporting high-quality academic programs that will enhance our reputation and support an ongoing culture of academic excellence.

GOALS

1. Promote the success of our faculty by creating an environment of excellence that supports and strengthens the University’s academic enterprise.
2. Strategically invest in our current and future faculty in order to attract and retain world-class faculty committed to teaching and research excellence.
3. Provide students with access to the high-impact practices that shape a transformational undergraduate education.
4. Amplify Clark Atlanta University’s academic reputation and distinction through focused and dynamic academic planning.
5. Leverage technology and online learning to create relevant and dynamic educational experiences which result in future ready credentials and increased revenue for the University.

STRATEGIC PILLAR 3: INSTITUTIONAL transformation

Institutional transformation and effectiveness at Clark Atlanta University refers to the capacity to achieve strategic goals and objectives in a way that is efficient, effective, and accountable. It involves evaluating the institution's performance and making data-informed decisions to improve and strengthen the University’s long-term health and sustainability.

GOALS

1. Strengthen the University’s culture of accountability and assessment through an on-going, comprehensive, and systematic review process of institutional goals and outcomes.
2. Align the IT governance process with the University’s shared governance structure to improve policy, planning efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
3. Align annual planning, budgeting, and employee performance reviews with strategic goals and priorities in academic and non-academic units.
4. Cultivate a culture of customer care where all connections are nurtured, issues are resolved with empathy and fidelity, and provide top-notch experiences and support.

STRATEGIC PILLAR 4: FINANCIAL transformation

Clark Atlanta University’s financial transformation expands on the opportunity for the campus community to participate in the diversification of revenue via the generation and stewardship of charitable investment, sponsored research, and auxiliary services.

1. Diversify and generate revenue needed to sustain the growth and enhancements of our comprehensive university.
2. Creation and implementation of a blueprint for the efficient and effective coordination, dissemination, measurement, and reporting of the University’s local, national, and global mission, vision, and success.
3. Create a brand for the University that highlights its alumni and friends, as well as its culture, engagement, connectivity, and promise.

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