By Lashley John
On Friday, April 29th, Clark Atlanta University performed the investiture of its fifth president, George T. French Jr., Ph. D.
The event was held at the Georgia World Convention Center in the presence of faculty members, visiting guests, and supporting staff, students and family members of the institution. Dr. French was appointed as the president of the university in September 2019. The investiture was delayed due to the pandemic that affected activities in the nation. Under his leadership, the United Negro Fund has ranked the college as the fourth most financially viable UNCF-college in the country.
In his inaugural address, Dr. French laid out a vision for driving the future position of the institution. He stated, “A well-educated man is well positioned to solve the problems of today and the past, but a continuously educated man will solve the problems of today and future years to come. My goal is to position this institution as a leader in resolving the issues of today and those that may arise in the future.” He explained that currently the institution is financially viable, but there will be a ten-year initiative of fundraising, infrastructure building, and reaching out to donors and stakeholders in an effort to assist in the position and transforming of values that the institution delivers.
Mr. Gregory Morrison, who presided over the ceremony, introduced many speakers such as Reverend McQueen, Representative Hank Johnson, Cynthia Bond Hopson, Larry Earvin, Michael Lomax, Harry Willians, Judge Brenda Hill Cole, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Reverend Tonya Miles, among others. Speakers spoke to the journey of the college and the acceptance that there is a desire for growth and a willingness to understand that the future for the institution must be seen as bright. In Mr. Lomax’s remarks, he stated, “Clark must be the university of the future.”
In his feature address to both the online viewers and the audience in the hall, Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League, said, “Mr. French’s job is to build this institution so that in twelve to thirty years from now, another generation can sit on his shoulders.” At the end of the ceremony, the new president was led by a procession out of the hall.
Last updated on May 2, 2022