Clark Atlanta University (CAU) stands today as a private, Christian institution in Atlanta, Georgia, with a rich history rooted in the post-Civil War era. Its current form is the result of a significant merger in 1988, bringing together two historically Black colleges: Clark College and Atlanta University. This consolidation created a research university that continues the educational and social justice missions of its predecessors, serving a diverse
student body and contributing to the academic landscape of the United States.
The Genesis of Atlanta University
Atlanta University, one of the foundational institutions of CAU, was established in 1865. Its inception was driven by a dual initiative involving Protestant missionaries and officials from the Freedmen's Bureau, an agency created to aid newly freed slaves. This early collaboration underscores the university's original commitment to providing educational opportunities for African Americans during a pivotal period in U.S. history. The institution quickly became a beacon of learning, with its leading staff members often assuming prominent roles in significant civil rights organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), further cementing its legacy of social engagement and advocacy.
The Founding of Clark College
Clark College, the other half of the merger, began its journey slightly later, in 1869. Its establishment was spearheaded by local Methodists, reflecting a strong connection to religious principles and community-based initiatives. Like Atlanta University, Clark College was founded with the explicit purpose of serving the educational needs of African Americans, contributing to the network of historically Black colleges that emerged in the South. Both institutions, though distinct in their immediate origins, shared a common goal of empowerment through education.
The Unification and Modern Era
The year 1988 marked a transformative moment for both institutions as Clark College and Atlanta University officially merged to form Clark Atlanta University. This merger combined their strengths, resources, and legacies into a single, more comprehensive university. CAU is classified as a research university, indicating its commitment not only to teaching but also to advancing knowledge through scholarly inquiry. It is also a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), an organization dedicated to supporting historically Black colleges and universities.
Academic Offerings and Student Life
Clark Atlanta University offers a wide array of academic programs, structured across several colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the College of Education, and the College of Social Work. The university provides studies up to the doctoral level, reflecting its status as a comprehensive institution of higher learning. In 2006, CAU had a student body of 4,514 and employed 324 academic staff. The tuition for U.S. residents in the same year was $16,100, demonstrating its role as a significant educational provider within the private university sector.
