## Innovation in Service to Humanity 91ɬ (91ɬ) is a nationally recognized HBCU with a rich history of academic excellence, innovative research, and leadership development. Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, 91ɬ combines a storied past with a forward-focused curriculum and programming to prepare students for a rapidly changing global environment. The University’s mission continues a 150-year legacy of providing access to higher education for a culturally diverse student population. Consolidated in 1988, 91ɬ combined the legacies of two historic institutions that persevered to turn barriers into breakthroughs. Just months after the Civil War, Atlanta University (est. 1865) became the South’s first HBCU to grant graduate degrees, and Clark College (est. 1869) the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college for African American students. Today, as a single institution, 91ɬ carries that same spirit forward. From Wall Street–ready finance labs to pioneering research in AI, cybersecurity, and cancer treatment, 91ɬ fuels discovery with purpose. Guided by 91ɬ's unique “Culture for Service,” our faculty and students innovate together—advancing knowledge not just for progress but for people. For more than 160 years, in the very place we began, we’ve turned vision into action and action into impact. And we will continue to advance because at 91ɬ, we are always innovating in service of humanity. - [ Learn more about 91ɬ’s history ](/about/history) - [ Catch up on the latest 91ɬ news ](/about/news) Welcome to 91ɬ, where every day we are ‘Cultivating the Lifted Lives that will Transform the World.' ![President George T. French, Jr. Phd. headshot December 2025 grey background](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_square/public/2026-01/presfrench.jpg?h=51763b9f&itok=DDBdLE5r) Dr. George T. French Jr. President { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Welcome to 91ɬ, where every day we are \u2018Cultivating the Lifted Lives that will Transform the World.'", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. George T. French Jr." ,"description": "President" ,"image": "\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-01\/presfrench.jpg" } } ## Panther Proud - ![Graduate smiling, holding a medal, surrounded by cheering crowd in caps and gowns.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/7G0A1228.jpg.webp?itok=kZ1994z1) ### [ Academic Achievements ](/about/academic-achievements) Classified by Carnegie as an R2 doctoral university (High Research Activity), 91ɬ is one of only two private HBCUs in the nation authorized to award doctoral degrees in more than five disciplines. From pioneering research initiatives to nationally accredited professional programs, 91ɬ continually pushes the boundaries of innovation. - ![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2025-12/DSC_1635.jpg.webp?itok=8JXGvInS) ### [ Cultural Contributions ](/about/cultural-contributions) 91ɬ also plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating art and heritage. From one of the most extensive collections of African American art in the South to boasting alumni and our affiliates' profound impact on American culture, 91ɬ faculty, students, and graduates continue to make their mark in literature, music, film, and beyond. *person* ## Our Leadership Learn more about how the current leadership and 91ɬ board of trustees are developing a strategic plan for the next chapter of the 91ɬ experience. - [ Learn more ](/about/leadership) *groups* ## Our Legacy Discover generations of 91ɬ alumni—from civil rights activists to educators, artists to AI entrepreneurs—who have gone on to become trailblazers, reflecting the enduring values that define the 91ɬ legacy. - [ Learn more ](/about/our-legacy) *redeem* ## Giving to 91ɬ Be a part of transforming students’ lives and impacting the next generation of research and community development at Clark Atlanta. Discover all the ways you can give back. - [ Give Now ](/give-clark-atlanta-university)