The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library proudly announces  George T. French Jr., Ph.D., President of Clark Atlanta University (CAU), as Chair of its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. French will serve a two-year term leading the governance of this essential academic library serving Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Spelman College.

Founded in 1982 through a visionary collaboration among AUC presidents, the Woodruff Library was established as a model for a modern academic library—built on the concept of synergy to support the diverse teaching, learning, and research needs of all AUC students and faculty. Named in honor of Robert W. Woodruff, former president of The Coca-Cola Company and a transformative Atlanta philanthropist, the Library continues to embody his legacy of educational advancement and civic engagement.

In 2004, the Library transitioned into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Trustees that includes the presidents of each AUC institution, three at-large members, and three ex-officio members. The Board’s leadership is integral in guiding the Library’s evolving mission, currently chaired by Dr. French. Dr. Kimberley Bugg assumed the role of CEO and Library Director in August 2024, further strengthening the Library’s leadership.

Dr. Bugg states, “We are honored to welcome Dr. George T. French Jr. as Chair of the AUC Woodruff Library Board of Trustees. His visionary leadership and deep commitment to academic excellence perfectly align with our mission to serve and uplift the Atlanta University Center community. Together, we will continue to expand access to knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen the legacy of this important institution.”

Dr.  French became the fifth president of Clark Atlanta University in 2019, leading the largest United Negro College Fund (UNCF) member institution and the largest private HBCU in Georgia. Before CAU, Dr. French served for 14 years as president of Miles College, establishing himself as one of the longest-serving university presidents nationally. A respected national leader in higher education policy, Dr. French has held numerous prestigious roles, including appointments by three U.S. Secretaries of Education and serving on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

We extend our congratulations to George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., on this new role and look forward to his continued leadership and vision guiding the future of the AUC Woodruff Library.

About the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

Established in 1982, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library is named in honor of the late Robert Winship Woodruff, a philanthropist and former CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. The library serves three historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this state-of-the-art facility has become a leading repository of information resources and an innovator in the delivery of digital content.

The AUC Woodruff Library also houses the Archives Research Center, renowned for its extensive collection of materials related to the African American experience. This includes the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, as well as the Joseph Echols Lowery and Evelyn Gibson Lowery Collection.

Media Contact:
Lisa Walker
Communications Office
AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 404-493-7877
Website: https://www.auctr.edu