SR170: SR170 Clark Atlanta University Day; recognize February 18, 2025

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black university formed in 1988 from the merger of Atlanta University and Clark College, and details its academic programs, research centers, economic contributions to Georgia, and notable alumni. The resolution formally commends university President Dr. George T. French Jr. for his leadership and designates February 18, 2025 as Clark Atlanta University Day at the state capitol. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the university and its president. The resolution creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties.

• Formally recognizes February 18, 2025 as Clark Atlanta University Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends Clark Atlanta University and its president, Dr. George T. French Jr., for leadership and contributions to higher education.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the university and its president.
• Creates no binding legal obligations, funding, or changes to Georgia statutes; it is a symbolic statement of recognition.

The resolution directly names Clark Atlanta University, its president Dr. George T. French Jr., and its students, faculty, and alumni. It has no legal effect on other individuals, businesses, or government agencies in Georgia.

While the resolution carries no legal weight or funding, it publicly highlights Clark Atlanta University's role in education, research, and Georgia's economy, and marks a day of formal recognition at the state capitol for the university and its leadership.

• The whereas clauses describe the university's founding in 1988, its academic programs, research centers, and $541 million economic impact on Georgia.
• The first resolved clause commends Clark Atlanta University and President Dr. George T. French Jr. for his leadership as the longest-tenured HBCU president in the nation.
• The second resolved clause designates February 18, 2025 as Clark Atlanta University Day at the state capitol.
• The final resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the university and its president.

1. 2025-02-12Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-11Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)Primary sponsor
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Colton Moore (R, SD-053)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)

• higher education
• historically Black colleges and universities
• Clark Atlanta University
• state capitol recognition