University Housing Project Palmer, C. F., 1935

The records of John Hope (1897-1953) include documentation on the development of what would later be called the Atlanta University Center, when Atlanta University aligned with Morehouse College and Spelman College to form an academic consortium. During Hope's eight years as president, the graduate school was launched, the Department of Fine Arts was established, and the Trevor Arnett Library was opened. The Hope Papers include correspondence, administrative and financial records for all eight years of his presidency, as well as some personal and family records. The records of Florence Read, President of Spelman College, and Acting President of Atlanta University following Hope's illness and subsequent death document her efforts in providing sustained leadership for the school from 1936 to 1937.