As one of only two private HBCUs with the R2 designation, CAU celebrates its exceptional academic distinction and pioneering contributions to scholarly research
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is thrilled to announce that it is one of only two private HBCUs to achieve the Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production designation in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the institution’s commitment to research excellence and innovation.
Maintaining the R2 designation signifies that Clark Atlanta University meets rigorous standards in research activity, including an average annual expenditure of at least $5 million on research and the awarding of 20 or more research doctorates each year. The university’s recent research expenditures have reached $10,320,000 for fiscal year 2023, and it has averaged 38 research doctorates over the past three academic years (2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23).
“Clark Atlanta University’s R2 research institution status is a remarkable achievement that reflects the continuous hard work and dedication of our faculty, students and staff,” stated President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D. of Clark Atlanta University. “It underscores our longstanding commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation, and we look forward to the well-deserved opportunities this designation will bring for our research community.”
R2 status reinforces Clark Atlanta University’s unwavering obligation to advancing scholarly research and significantly elevates its institutional profile. With this designation, the university is better positioned to continue to attract enhanced funding opportunities, forge valuable partnerships, and recruit top-tier faculty. Moreover, it places Clark Atlanta University among distinguished institutions recognized for their substantial contributions to research and doctoral education.
“R2 research institution designation highlights the profound contributions made by the faculty at Clark Atlanta University,” stated Dr. Charlene Gilbert, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Clark Atlanta University. “Their rigorous commitment to pioneering research and innovative methodologies is a testament to their determination to leverage their skills and expertise in the service of our local and national communities.”
For more information about Clark Atlanta University’s research initiatives and programs, please visit www.cau.edu.
For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact: Cecilia Cheeks at ccheeks@cau.edu
About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Established four years later in 1869, Clark College was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institutions. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.