Clark Atlanta University  Clark Atlanta University is a private Methodist historically black university in Atlanta, Georgia. Clark Atlanta University is the first HBCU in the Southern United States. Clark College (founded in 1869) and Atlanta University (founded in 1865) consolidated in 1988. Clark Atlanta University was formed by the consolidation of Atlanta University, the nations first HBCU in the South, and the nations first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans, and Clark College, the nations first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African-American student population. Atlanta University was founded September 19, 1865 by the American Missionary Association, with later assistance from the Freedmen's Bureau. Atlanta University was the first HBCU in the Southern United States, and the nation's oldest graduate institution serving a predominantly African-American student body. Atlanta University was established September 19, 1865; chartered October 17, 1867; offered first instruction at postsecondary level 1869; first graduating class 1873, (normal school for future teachers including women); awarded its first six degrees (baccalaureate) June 1876. One woman earned a bachelors degree from Atlanta University between 1876 and 1895. Seven women received bachelor's degrees from Atlanta University between 1895 - 1900. In 1929–30, it began offering graduate education exclusively in various liberal arts areas, and in the social and natural forensics. It gradually added professional programs in social work, library science, and business administration. At this same time, Atlanta University affiliated with Morehouse College and Spelman College in a university plan known as the Atlanta University Center. The campus was moved to its present site, and the modern organization of the Atlanta University Center emerged, with Clark College, Morris Brown College, and the Interdenominational Theological Center joining the affiliation later. The story of the Atlanta University over the next twenty years from 1930 includes many significant developments. Graduate Schools of Library Science, Education, and Business Administration were established in 1941, 1944, and 1946, respectively. The Atlanta School of Social Work, long associated with the university, gave up its charter in 1947 to become an integral part of the university. In 1957, the controlling Boards of the six institutions (Atlanta University; Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown and Spelman Colleges; and Gammon Theological Seminary) ratified new Articles of Affiliation. The new contract created the Atlanta University Center. The influence of Atlanta University has been extended through professional journals and organizations, including "Phylon", and through the work of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, a member of the center.