Two Beginnings. One Exceptional Story.
Clark Atlanta University’s history is rooted in the story of two prestigious institutions—each known for academic excellence, leadership, and service—coming together to form something even stronger. From the beginning, Clark College and Atlanta University were built to do more than educate. Separately forging new pathways for Black leadership in the 19th and 20th centuries, and together in 1884 as Clark Atlanta University, our impact has increased in scale and ambition.
Today, we continue the academic tradition that has produced thinkers, teachers, creators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. We are shaping lives, cultivating innovators, and expanding what’s possible for students and communities. When our strengths are combined, CAU emerges as a university with a proud heritage and a clear purpose—to prepare graduates who lead with knowledge, integrity, and impact.
Transformative Education
At Clark Atlanta University, education is multidimensional. We believe that students flourish when they are supported intellectually, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our students’ success is not only about what they know, but who they become.
That holistic commitment shows up in the classroom, in mentoring relationships, in student life, and in a campus culture that encourages resilience, purpose, and personal growth. A degree is important, but it is equally important to us that our students build confidence, develop character, and claim their voice in the world.
An Inspiring, Community-Oriented Place to Discover and Grow
At CAU, we foster deep relationships through our traditions and culture of service. Our academic philosophy ensures that learning connects to real life—where the University’s mission extends beyond campus and into every community.
Here, students are challenged to think bigger and reach higher, supported by a community that believes in their potential and invests in their success. It’s a culture that inspires ambition and backs it up with opportunity.
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Our Traditions
From gallery openings and jazz concerts to theatre productions, film screenings, and civic forums, Clark Atlanta University offers a range of campus traditions that foster creativity, scholarship, and service.
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Research & Innovation
As a community-oriented institution, CAU supports students and faculty in pursuing discovery, creativity, and meaningful impact while creating pathways for growth through collaboration, service, and leadership.
The Promise of What's Next
We have the momentum: The strength and vision of our founders, the power of continual transformation, and the inspiration of a community inform our future.
Two strong foundations. One unified purpose. One exceptional legacy.
