Copyright 2004 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
March 5, 2004 Friday Home Edition

SECTION: Editorial; Pg. 18A
HEADLINE: READERS WRITE
BYLINE: ...... BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM........

BODY:

Changes designed to benefit library

Your recent article captured some of the facts surrounding the reorganization of the Atlanta University Center, but not the spirit and purpose of our decision to change its structure ("AUC will dissolve to save money," Metro, March 3).

Importantly, a desire to strengthen the Robert W. Woodruff Library --- not a desire to save money --- was our primary motivation. The library, which serves four of the six AUC colleges and universities, is the premier academic activity operated jointly by our schools. We incorporated it as a separate entity to allow it to have more focused attention and greater resources than were available under the old structure. Any savings as a result of the restructuring have been reallocated to the library.

Other AUC programs, including the office of career planning and placement and the dual-degree engineering program, will now be administered through a new entity called the Atlanta University Center Consortium. The Atlanta University Center Orchestra will be operated by Clark Atlanta University, and the radioactive materials program will be operated by the Morehouse School of Medicine.

These changes were designed to minimize disruptions to our constituents and strengthen our ability to offer outstanding educational opportunities.

BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM

Tatum is president of Spelman College and chairwoman of the AUC Council of Presidents. The letter was also signed by Walter D. Broadnax, president, Clark Atlanta University; Michael Battle, president, Interdenominational Theological Center; Walter E. Massey, president, Morehouse College; and James R. Gavin III, president, Morehouse School of Medicine.