As the current Fall 2024 academic year unfolds, Clark Atlanta University is experiencing a remarkable surge in student interest and enrollment, cementing its position as one of the most sought-after Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. With a record-breaking number of applications and the largest incoming freshman class in the university’s history, Clark Atlanta is poised to welcome an exceptionally talented and diverse student body.
This impressive milestone comes on the heels of another significant achievement for Clark Atlanta University—its recent recognition as one of only six private HBCUs to be ranked in the prestigious Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education Best Colleges list. This distinction underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and transformative educational experiences.
Rooted in a rich legacy dating back to the 19th century, Clark Atlanta University was formed through the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both of which hold unique and influential places in the annals of African-American history. Atlanta University, established in 1865, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African-Americans, while Clark College, founded in 1869, was the country’s first four-year liberal arts college to primarily serve a Black student population.
Today, with over 4,000 students, Clark Atlanta University is the largest member of the renowned Atlanta University Center Consortium, which also includes Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine. The university’s four esteemed schools—the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work—collectively shape future leaders by instilling critical thinking, fostering leadership skills, and cultivating a deep commitment to social responsibility.
At the heart of Clark Atlanta University’s transformative educational experience is its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, global innovation, and high-value engagement. The university’s vision is to be recognized internationally as a leading research institution, leveraging its expertise to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on society.
Integral to this vision is the university’s Office of Information Technology and Communications (OITC), which serves as the backbone of Clark Atlanta’s technological infrastructure. The OITC plays a crucial role in supporting the faculty, staff, students, and various campus entities, including the police department, athletic facilities, an art museum, and a radio station.
The OITC’s comprehensive initiatives span a wide range of areas, each designed to empower the university community and propel Clark Atlanta towards its ambitious goals.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: The OITC is committed to ensuring fast, secure, and reliable internet access across the entire campus, continuously improving the wired and wireless networks to provide seamless connectivity.
Research and Innovation: Recognizing the inextricable link between research and education, the OITC equips faculty, researchers, and students with the tools and services needed to securely store, manage, and share research data. The department also implements collaborative platforms to foster seamless cooperation among internal and external research partners.
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the university’s sensitive information assets and intellectual property is a top priority for the OITC. The department employs robust cybersecurity measures and regularly conducts training and awareness programs to minimize security risks and protect the university’s digital ecosystem.
Learning and Teaching Support: The OITC provides and maintains a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) platform to support online and hybrid learning, ensuring seamless integration with other academic tools and easy accessibility for faculty and students. Additionally, the department continually equips classrooms with cutting-edge technologies to enhance the learning experience.
Digital Transformation: Spearheading the university’s digital transformation, the OITC promotes the symbiotic relationship between people, processes, and technology. A key component of this effort is the upgrade of Clark Atlanta’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, aimed at automating administrative processes, reducing manual workloads, and increasing overall efficiency.
Data Analytics and Institutional Research: The OITC is focused on leveraging data and providing analytics tools that empower university leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions. The department also supports the institutional research office in assessing educational outcomes, faculty productivity, student retention, and other critical metrics.
Sustainability and Scalability: Recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility and future-readiness, the OITC has implemented sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient data centers and cloud storage solutions. At the same time, the department ensures the university’s technological infrastructure can scale in response to growing research demands, increased enrollment, and the adoption of dynamic technologies.
The record-breaking application numbers for the current Fall 2024 academic year, the university’s largest incoming freshman class, and its prestigious ranking among private HBCUs in the Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges list are a testament to Clark Atlanta University’s unwavering commitment to academic rigor, technological advancement, and transformative leadership. As the university continues its upward trajectory, the OITC will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in supporting its mission and empowering the next generation of visionary scholars, innovators, and changemakers.
With its rich history, exceptional academic programs, and a forward-thinking approach to technology, Clark Atlanta University is poised to continue its remarkable journey, producing graduates who are equipped to tackle complex challenges and make a positive difference in the world.
