We’re thrilled to announce that MN Associates, Inc. (MNA) has been selected as the external evaluator for Spelman College’s NSF AUC-GRANTED initiative. This $14 million award—led by Spelman in collaboration with Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University —is designed to transform the research enterprise across the Atlanta University Center (AUC) and establish a national model for equity-focused research infrastructure at emerging research institutions.
As the external evaluator, MNA will document the development and implementation of shared research support models, assess outcomes related to faculty and leadership development, and provide formative and summative feedback to guide continuous improvement. The grant includes the creation of research concierge services, strengthened research administration, and the launch of a new AUC-wide Office for Research & Technology Commercialization. Our evaluation will help ensure the initiative is responsive to institutional needs, aligned with its ambitious goals, and capable of sustaining impact beyond the grant period.
We are honored to support Spelman College and the AUC consortium in this groundbreaking work. Spelman’s leadership in STEM education, particularly in advancing opportunities for women of African descent, adds deep value to this initiative. At MNA, we believe that access to research infrastructure is essential to innovation and excellence, and we’re proud to contribute to a project that exemplifies both.
Stay tuned for updates as we work together to elevate research capacity and foster transformative change across HBCUs and the broader higher education landscape.
