Clark Atlanta University will direct the Regional Center for Entrepreneurship as part of PNC's $ 16.8 million grant

ATLANTA Oct. 22, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Clark Atlanta University will be one of four HBCUs that will lead a Regional Center for Entrepreneurship, thanks to a grant from the PNC $ 16.8 million .

The national center will be located on the campus of Howard University and will use a regional structure to include programming at three regional HBCUs: Clark Atlanta University, Morgan State University and Texas Southern University . CAU will lead the southern region, including HBCUs in Georgia Florida Alabama Kentucky and Tennessee . Each regional center will direct HBCU partners in their respective areas to coordinate education programs, research strategies, business outreach, and other community outreach efforts at partner HBCUs across the country.

An important focus for the Center and its regional HBCU partners is to engage the black business community in growing their businesses, thereby positively impacting the community and increasing employment and wealth for the black community.

" The business legacy of Clark Atlanta University dates back to the intellectual genealogy of WEB Du Bois who served as professor of economics and sociology at Atlanta University for more aged 23 at the beginning of the 20th century ", said CAU President Dr. George T. French, Jr. " Clark Atlanta University as well as many HBCUs, are committed with passion and unfettered creativity to initiatives to enhance black entrepreneurship within the university and their communities. We have always been at the forefront of business education, including partnerships with entrepreneurs globally. "

The CAU School of Business Administration (CAUSBA), which this year celebrates 75 years of excellence, will oversee the Regional Center and complement the ongoing and evolving activities of the Center for Innovation and Business Development (CIED). CIED was established to develop an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the campus and the Lab / Maker Space. It offers Courses and Workshops on Innovation and Design Thinking; Ideation, Lean Startup and Mentoring for Small Businesses; 3D printing and prototyping; Technology Transfer and Marketing Support; Hackathons; and business presentation contests.

"CIED is the optimal focal point for innovative initiatives that engage campus and community stakeholders," says Dean of the School of Business Administration, Silvanus Udoka. "The Regional Center for Entrepreneurship will broaden the platform for our scholars to accelerate discovery, drive innovation, and creativity to launch our students' business endeavors and careers."

The CAU Business School also has an Entrepreneurs in Residence program that brings experienced entrepreneurs to the School of Business Administration to advise and assist students and faculty as they launch new businesses or explore the commercialization of research. EIRs provide mentoring and guidance to the CAU community on business strategy and design and social impact. They also connect investors with inventors, creators, and researchers.

"We are grateful to the PNC for providing us with the means to enhance our business endeavors while promoting collaborations between HBCUs such as Howard University and other prominent regional partners," said President French.

About Clark Atlanta University

Established in 1988 by the historical consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869). Clark Atlanta University continues a legacy of more than 150 years rooted in African-American tradition and focused on the future. Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and a high-value commitment. CAU cultivates elevated lives that transform the world. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson ; American Civil Rights Activist, Poet and Songwriter (Raise Every Voice and Sing "The Black National Anthem"; Ralph David Abernathy Sr. American Civil Rights Activist; Congressman Hank Johnson Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris Award-winning American film and television producer; Kenny Leon Tony Award-winning Broadway director; Jacque Reid Emmy Award-winning Television personality and journalist ; Brandon Thompson NASCAR Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion; Valeisha Butterfield Jones Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Recording Academy For more information on Clark Atlanta University visit www.cau.edu .