Transformational partnership expands access to doctoral study and creates a national career pipeline for educators, innovators, and changemakers

New York, NY – [June 13, 2025]Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is proud to announce a dynamic new articulation agreement with Clark Atlanta University (CAU), a leading Historically Black College and University (HBCU), that establishes a pathway from MCNY’s Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) program to CAU’s fully online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership.

This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to access, equity, and excellence in education. It empowers MCNY graduates to pursue a terminal degree at one of the nation’s most respected HBCUs with priority admissions review, waived application fees, scholarship consideration, and robust academic and career support.

MCNY President, Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, and CAU President Dr. George T. French, Jr. signing the agreement.

“This partnership stands as a testament to what is possible when institutions come together with a shared vision for equity, access, and academic excellence,” said Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D., President of Metropolitan College of New York. “We are proud to partner with Clark Atlanta University to expand opportunity for our Scholars and help develop the kind of bold, ethical leaders’ higher education needs right now. This pathway opens new academic and professional doors for our graduates and reflects our continued investment in potential and purpose. It also signals our belief that leadership in education must be as diverse and dynamic as the communities we serve.”

In addition to opening doors to advanced degrees, this collaboration also fuels career momentum. Both institutions have committed to supporting graduates with reciprocal employment referrals in Georgia and New York, creating a powerful cross-regional network of professional opportunities for the next generation of education leaders.

Clark Atlanta University is proud to partner with Metropolitan College of New York in this transformative agreement, enhancing access to advanced degrees and fostering leadership in higher education,” said George T. French Jr., Ph.D., President of Clark Atlanta University“Together, we are creating pathways for aspiring educators to thrive and make a lasting impact in their communities.” 

To keep the partnership thriving, the agreement will be reviewed every five years to ensure it remains responsive to student needs and academic goals. Program details and opportunities will be promoted across both campuses, online and through academic advisors, so every eligible student has a clear path to take the next big step in their journey.

Metropolitan College of New York continues to build innovative partnerships that expand opportunities for our students and community. Earlier this year, the College launched a pathway to legal careers through a partnership with New York Law School and established a global education initiative in Emergency and Disaster Management with Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas – ESPE in Ecuador, including future study abroad opportunities. Most recently, MCNY partnered with the City College of Calamba in the Philippines, creating meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural learning and leadership development. Each of these partnerships reflects a deep commitment to empowering students with choice, mobility and impact.

Press Inquiries contact: Tina Georgiou, tgeorgiou@mcny.edu, 212-343-1234 X-2626

About Metropolitan College of New York
For 60 years, Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) has maintained a tradition of offering highly motivated adult learners an education that combines applied skills with professional knowledge, fostering personal transformation and positive change in workplaces and communities. MCNY is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Recognized as both a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), MCNY is dedicated to serving a significant percentage of students of color, particularly from underrepresented communities.

Founded in 1964 by Audrey Cohen, an educational visionary and activist, MCNY’s mission has remained steadfast, emphasizing Purpose-Centered Education to empower students to achieve their educational and professional goals.

MCNY Locations:
Manhattan Campus: 60 West Street, New York, NY 10006
Bronx Campus: 463 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455
For more information, visit mcny.edu or call 212.343.1234

About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Established four years later in 1869, Clark College 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 that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institutions. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.

 MCNY Associate Dean of Education, Dr. Patrick Ianniello, President Charles J. Gibbs and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Humphrey Crookendale on campus at Clark Atlanta University