Institutional Growth
“The program also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with the CAU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, encouraging students to integrate insights from engineering, business, and the social sciences to develop holistic solutions to real-world problems.” Highlighting the attributes of partnership and hands-on experience, Dr. George adds, “CAU’s strategic partnerships with leading organizations, including Google, Cisco, Visa, and regional tech network, provide students with access to resources, mentorship, internships, and collaborative research opportunities. These relationships enhance the academic experience and ensure that students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the tech ecosystem.” Nakia Cotton-Smith, Ph.D., director of the P-12 Educational Leadership Program in the Department of Educational Leadership, says the Online Educational Leadership
Program offers two comprehensive online pathways—master’s level and a certificate program—both designed to prepare aspiring leaders for significant roles within schools and districts. “This program, part of the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship at Clark Atlanta University, equips leaders with the vital skills and experiences necessary to impact diverse educational environments.” In the master’s track, students will graduate with a master’s degree and will meet all Tier I certification requirements of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The certification track allows participants to earn their Tier I certification and qualifies them for principal licensure in Indiana. Dr. Cotton-Smith highlights an accessible online program that includes a principal residency and a research project, allowing participants to connect with diverse peers and faculty. “The Aspiring Leaders Master’s and Certification Program, developed in partnership with New Leaders, equips future school leaders with essential skills for transformative change in urban education, reinforcing CAU’s reputation for producing diverse, equity- focused leaders.” She adds, “This collaboration also showcases HBCUs’ crucial role in fostering educational excellence and innovation.” Jorvis McGee, graduate president of the Clark Atlanta University Student Government Association and a doctoral candidate in the School of Education’s traditional Higher Education Leadership Program, agrees with Dr. Cotton-Smith. He says the online program was necessary for students because the mindset about how to get education has shifted, though they still want to be connected. This program does that for them. “Not only does the online program provide more spaces for people to think outside the box about their education, when they come for their summer residency, they still get to see what it means to be a Panther on the ground.” He adds, “We are reaching into an audience we never reached before—and when these students showcase the excellence that is Clark Atlanta University to the people they surround themselves with, that brings CAU to untouched markets.”
We are reaching into an audience we never reached before—and when these students showcase the excellence that is Clark Atlanta University to the people they surround themselves with, that brings CAU to untouched markets. “
Fall 2025
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