Alumni survey and growth rates prompts CAU to reinvent engagement model as alumni base projected to hit at least 71,000
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is thrilled to announce a transformative expansion of its alumni relations structure, positioning the university to better connect with its rapidly growing, global alumni community and embrace the evolving needs of its multi-generational alumni who have varying preferences for engagement. Changes include the formation of a new alumni advisory council to guide the University’s alumni engagement efforts, transitioning from the prior agreement with the alumni association, expanded programming to better reach all 40,000 University alumni, the promotion of Dr. Lorri Saddler to Chief Alumni Engagement Officer, and the creation of two new alumni-focused positions.
This transformation responds to shifting alumni demographics and evolving preferences in how alumni engage with the university—whether through local chapter involvement or virtual forums. A May 2024 survey revealed that many graduates and alumni seek more personalized, dynamic, and digitally connected interactions. A key survey finding revealed that 4 in 10 alumni were inactive or felt underserved by the current model, highlighting a significant opportunity to engage a large portion of the alumni community.
“When we ask ourselves about what we can do to ensure that the CAU legacy endures for generations to come, at the top of the list is a strong and highly engaged alumni community,” said Dr. George T. French Jr., president of Clark Atlanta University. “While student enrollment and engagement are vital for growth, being innovative in engaging our alumni is equally important to ensure the long-term stability of our institution. By reinventing our alumni engagement model, we’re ensuring that CAU leads in alumni relations among all institutions and fosters a stronger, more connected global alumni base.”
The university currently has approximately 40,000 alumni, with projections indicating that number will grow to 71,000 by the year 2075.
“As a proud CAU alum, I’m excited about the direction we are heading,” said Honorable Brenda H. Cole, first lady emeritus to CAU. “This new model will help us become a more connected and vibrant community, regardless of where our lives and careers take us.”
Details of Key Changes:
- Establishment of an Alumni Advisory Council: Composed of diverse university constituents, the council will provide advice and ensure alumni voices are heard.
- Enhanced Engagement Opportunities: The Office of Alumni Relations and Engagement will expand programming, events, and networking opportunities, offering a more flexible and accessible way for alumni to stay connected, through local chapters and digital forums.
- New Leadership and Positions: Dr. Lorri Saddler will lead the office and has been appointed to the newly created role of Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer. Additionally, two new roles are being created to support the growth of alumni chapters nationally and internationally:
- constituent relations
- program management
To gather feedback and ensure a smooth transition, CAU will host alumni roundtables across major cities in the coming months. These events will provide alumni with the opportunity to learn more about the changes, ask questions, and provide input.
For more information on the upcoming transition, alumni are encouraged to contact the Office of Alumni Relations and Engagement at alumni@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. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, 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 (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.