As political pressures mount around higher education, Clark Atlanta University, one of the 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) connected with The United Methodist Church, is pushing forward with clarity and conviction. The university, aided by the church’s Black College Fund, is channeling its legacy into a future defined by research, innovation, and student empowerment.
President Dr. George T. French calls the Black College Fund nothing short of essential for the institution, founded through the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869).
“It provides the consistent operational support needed to stabilize the institution in an era when many universities face unpredictability,” Dr. French said. “This support ensures our schools can meet payroll, retain talent, and focus on long-term strategic planning — not crisis management.”
That stability is vital as Clark Atlanta strengthens its standing as an R2 research institution, a federal classification for universities with high research activity.
The university is investing in research centers, including work in prostate cancer and genomic therapeutics.
“These are fields that disproportionately affect Black communities,” Dr. French said, adding these expansions are part of a broader strategy to deepen the university’s research portfolio and build toward even greater national competitiveness.
Pushing Forward to Expanding Research
The push toward expanded research capacity reflects both urgency and opportunity. “Today’s students live in an unpredictable world shaped by economic strain, climate disruptions, and cultural polarization,” Dr. French said. Many come from households where attending college requires sacrifice.
The Black College Fund helps Clark Atlanta provide the academic support, faculty excellence, and campus safety nets students need to thrive academically and personally, Dr, French said, highlighting the work of the university’s chaplain, Rev. Tanya Miles, who witnesses daily how critical that support is.
“Whether addressing weather related emergencies or offering spiritual guidance, her team helps maintain a sense of belonging and stability,” Dr. French said. “She calls the campus a home, and the Black College Fund helps sustain it.”
In a political climate where the value of historically Black institutions is continually debated, Dr. French said Clark Atlanta remains firm in its mission. The Black College Fund, through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, helps ensures the university can continue educating students, and shaping leaders, researchers, and thinkers for generations to come on the historic campus.
Your Loyal Support Helps
When you give 100% to the Black College Fund apportionment you help Historically Black Colleges and Universities support solid and challenging academic programs. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
story by Wendy R. Cromwell
This story shows the impact of the Black College Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to sustain and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) related to the denomination. Your church’s giving helps provide quality education, leadership formation, and spiritual growth opportunities for students who will lead and serve in communities around the world.
When your church supports the Black College Fund, you help students unlock their potential and keep a vital United Methodist legacy strong.
