Clark Atlanta University (CAU), the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the southern United States, and IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, hosted an event earlier this month highlighting the importance of corporate HBCU partnerships to support student success. Together with CAU students and leaders, IHG announced it would again renew its commitment to CAU as a Premier Corporate Partner for 2024 and unveiled a renovated student lounge at the School of Business.
During the event, students participated in an engaging Q&A panel discussion with Clark Atlanta University President Dr. George T. French, Jr., Dean of the School of Business Dr. Silvanus J. Udoka, and IHG CEO of the Americas Jolyon Bulley who shared valuable insights on pursuing fulfilling careers, embodying leadership traits and taking risks.
Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, attended and underscored the importance of the Atlanta business community’s support of both local HBCUs and the students’ educational and career pathways will ultimately ensure that Atlanta’s diverse economy prospers.
Dr. George French, President, Clark Atlanta University, said: “Corporate partnerships with forward-thinking companies like IHG help contribute to the success of Clark Atlanta University students. Friday’s event was a great example of how the business community can support HBCUs and introduce new career opportunities to students who are ready to excel. I would like to thank IHG for its continued commitment to CAU and helping to forge a path for the next generation of leaders.”
Jolyon Bulley, CEO, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “The students at Clark Atlanta University have shown so much, energy, passion, and aspiration to learn and be great leaders. We’re pleased to continue partnering with CAU and open even more doors to opportunity for diverse students. The talent and potential of these young professionals is clear to see, and I look forward to having more of them come through IHG’s doors.”
As a Premier Corporate Partner to CAU, IHG supports students’ academic experiences in a variety of ways, including preparing students for interviews and resume building as part of the school’s annual career week, and IHG also recruits CAU students for internship and full-time employment opportunities. Since the partnership was announced, IHG has invited six CAU students to intern within the organization and hired two CAU graduates in full-time positions at IHG’s Americas headquarters. Additionally, IHG looks forward to offering students access to its IHG Skills Academy virtual learning platform featuring resources for professional skill development and careers in hospitality.
The CAU and IHG partnership also is part of IHG’s broader pledge to make meaningful progress on its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments. For more information on IHG’s commitments to Listen & Learn, Advocate and Act, visit ihg.com/standtogether.
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About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both of which hold unique places in the annals of African American history. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson, American civil rights activist, poet, and songwriter (Lift Every Voice and Sing, “The Black National Anthem”; Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank
Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist; Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for NASCAR; Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Recording Academy. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.