CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

About the Book

This book is the story of how events, timing, relationships and people of goodwill converged at a particular moment in time to achieve a vision for Atlanta University, Clark College and for American higher education that many predicted was not possible in the Atlanta University Center. It describes the formation and development of the consolidated institution from 1988 to 2002 and the historical context that made it possible for two independent institutions with proud histories and legacies of over 100 years each to consolidate. A careful, strategic and deliberate planning process, endorsed by both boards of trustees, is outlined which created the only exclusively private, comprehensive historically black university in the Nation with academic programs of study and research from the freshman year through the doctorate.

About the Author

Thomas W. Cole, Jr., the first president of Clark Atlanta University, served simultaneously as President of Atlanta University and Clark College shepherding the consolidation of the two schools in 1988. He retired after 14 years of growth and prosperity at the University, more than doubling the enrollment, operating budget, endowment and improving and increasing facilities. During Dr. Cole’s tenure, Clark Atlanta became the largest of the United Negro College Fund institutions and was ranked the top 200 regional universities by U.S. News and World Report. Dr. Cole is a second generation college president. A graduate of Wiley College in 1961 when his father was president, he received the doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Chicago. His entire professional career of 36 years was spent in higher education, beginning at Atlanta University where he served as Callaway Professor and subsequently Provost. He also served as President of West Virginia State College and Chancellor of the West Virginia Board of Regents. He is the recipient of five honorary doctorate degrees and many honors for his service to the community. Following his retirement in 2002, he served as Interim Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Interim President of the Interdenominational Theological Center.