Our Mission
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) at Clark Atlanta University is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and collaboration. We lead efforts to build strong partnerships among faculty, the university, and external stakeholders; support technology transfer and commercialization; and streamline research operations through clear policies and efficient processes. Our mission comes to life through comprehensive, “one-stop” support for every stage of the research and sponsored programs journey, powered by teamwork across research administration, technology transfer, and commercialization.
Research and Education: A Powerful Connection
At CAU, we believe research and education go hand in hand. Scholarly activity is essential to delivering a world-class educational experience for our students. By leveraging the diverse talents of our students, faculty, researchers, and staff, RSP fosters a thriving research enterprise that drives discovery, enriches learning, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge worldwide.
What We Do
RSP provides a full range of services to support research and sponsored programs, including:
- Identifying Opportunities: Helping faculty and staff pursue new research initiatives and secure funding.
- Ensuring Compliance: Monitoring adherence to federal, state, local, and institutional regulations for human subjects, animal care, biosafety, radiation safety, and research integrity.
- Training & Education: Offering programs on proposal development, grants management, research compliance, and intellectual property.
- Proposal Support: Guiding faculty and staff through the grant and contract application process, including approvals and endorsements.
- Award Management: Maintaining records, administering grants and contracts, and assisting with reporting and audits.
- Partnerships & Agreements: Coordinating research collaborations and cooperative agreements.
- Intellectual Property & Commercialization: Managing patents, copyrights, licensing, publication agreements, and technology transfer.
- Funding Alerts: Sharing information on external funding opportunities and deadlines.
Additional Resources
- Conflict of Interest Policy (updated 11-8-2021)
- Responding to Misconduct in Research
- CITI Program
- IRB Application
- IRB Protocol Handbook (under review)
- SRC Space Allocation Forms
- Space Request Form-1AA is used to reassign space within a unit.
- Space Request Form-2AA is used to request a change to the assigned space's function.
- SRC Space Request Form-3AA is used to request new or additional space.
- SRC Space Request Form-4AA is used to reassign space across units.
Annual Research Statistics
Institutional Profile Information for Proposal Preparation
CAU Profile Information
- Legal Name: Clark Atlanta University
- Incorporation Date: July 1, 1988
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): 58-1825259
- Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization (Effective July 1, 1989)
- Institution Type: Private Institution of Higher Education
- Designation: Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
- Congressional District: GA-005
Federal and Institutional Identifiers
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): JGA3E25MFDV9
- DUNS Number: 065325177
- SAM.gov Registration: Active (Expiration Date: January 12, 2027)
- CAGE Code: 0MVF5 (Note: Leading character is the number zero)
- IPEDS ID: 138947
- OPE ID: 00155900
Administrative and Oversight Information
Cognizant Federal Agency:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Point of Contact: Stephen Hobday - Phone: (301) 492-4855
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Clark Atlanta University
223 James P. Brawley Dr., SW
Atlanta, GA 30314-4358
Phone: 404-880-6990
Compliance and Assurance
- Animal Welfare Assurance Number: A3944-01
- Human Subjects Assurance: Registered (details available upon request)
- DHHS Salary Cap: Applicable to all federally funded proposals
- IRB - FWA# FWA00029428
- IRB - ORG# - IORG0004177
- IRB - CAU - IRB00004949
Fringe Benefit Rates
- Full-Time Faculty and Staff: 30.49%
- Part-Time Faculty and Staff: 10.58%
Facilities and Administrative (F&A) - Indirect Cost Rates (IDC)
Agreement Date: December 28, 2025
Rate Type: Predetermined
Effective Period: Beginning July 1, 2025 (until amended)
Organized Research
- 55.5% On Campus Rate
- 26.0% Off Campus Rate
Instruction
- 73.0% On Campus Rate
- 26.0% Off Campus Rate
Training Programs
- 8.0% (Training rate applies only when specified in the funding opportunity announcement)
Authorizing Official
Frances Williams, Ph.D.
Vice President, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Email: fwilliams@cau.edu
Phone: 404-880-6990
Principal Investigator's Handbook
The Principal Investigator’s Handbook is your comprehensive guide to conducting research at Clark Atlanta University. Designed to support both new and experienced investigators, this handbook brings together essential policies, procedures, and best practices to help you navigate every stage of the research lifecycle with confidence.
Please click on the link below to read the handbook -
Contact Us
Frances Williams, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs
(404) 880–6990
fwilliams@cau.edu
Carol Johnson
Assistant Vice President, Research and Sponsored Programs
(404) 880-6992
cjohnson@cau.edu
Abriah Frazier
Sr Staff Assistant
(404) 880-6990
afrazier@cau.edu
Dawn Amaker
Director of Sponsored Programs
(404) 880-6995
damaker@cau.edu
Pamela L. Hall, EdD, PMP, CRA
Sr Research Award Administrator, IRB Coordinator
(404) 880-6985
phall@cau.edu
Cathryn Branch, MPA, SHRM-CP
Sr Pre-Award Award Administrator
(404) 880-6994
cbranch@cau.edu
Annette McTavish-Ingram, MPA
Post Award Administrator
(404) 880-6017
aingram@cau.edu
Alexis Ivy
Research Concierge
(404) 880-6841
aivy@cau.edu
Nafisat Isa, Ph.D., MPH
Laboratory Safety Manager
(404) 880-6974
nisa@cau.edu
Teri Platt, Ph.D.
Director of Research Development
Director, Center for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (CURC)
Edmond Asa Ware Distinguished Professor
(404) 880 - 6807
tplatt@cau.edu
Chasity Evans, MBA
Assistant Director, Center for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (CURC)
Communications and Marketing Chair, CAU QEP
cevans@cau.edu
The CAU Research Council
The Faculty Research Council advises the Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs on matters involving research infrastructure, maintenance of equipment, start-up support for faculty, and, in general, support of standing up a more robust research enterprise at Clark Atlanta University.
