as Clark University.
An early benefactor, Bishop Gilbert Haven, visualized Clark as the "university" of all the Methodist schools founded for the education of freedmen. After the school changed locations several times, Bishop Haven, who succeeded Bishop Clark, was instrumental in acquiring 450 acres (1.8 km2) in South Atlanta, where in 1880 the school conferred its first degree. In 1883, Clark established a theology department named for Elijah H. Gammon. In 1888, the Gammon School of Theology became an independent theological seminary, and is currently part of the Interdenominational Theological Center. Clark College merged with Atlanta University on July 1, 1988, to form Clark Atlanta University.
=== Philanthropy ===
In December 2020, MacKenzie Scott donated $15 million (~$17.4 million in 2023) to Clark Atlanta University. Her donation is the largest single gift in the history of the institution.
In September 2021, Clark Atlanta launched a 10-year $250 million capital campaign to raise scholarhips funds for …
