Dr. Kevin E. James, who has served as the president of Morris Brown College for seven years, was unexpectedly terminated from his position on Monday, replaced by Board of Trustees member Nzinga Shaw as the interim president. This decision came as a shock, especially given that James’s contract was set to last until 2029, and he was informed of his termination without any specific explanation.
The timing of this decision is particularly concerning, as it occurs just weeks before the college is scheduled for an accreditation reaffirmation review. James expressed his apprehension regarding the lack of clarity surrounding his removal, emphasizing that it undermines established governance practices and his existing contract. He has stated his intention to explore all available legal options related to this action.
Despite his termination, James pointed out that he had received consistently positive evaluations and had recently completed an annual review that affirmed his effective leadership. Notably, during his tenure, Morris Brown College made history by becoming the first HBCU to regain accreditation after losing it in 2002, achieving reaccreditation in 2021 under his guidance. This milestone allowed the institution to access federal financial aid, significantly increasing student enrollment and ensuring financial stability through clean audits for seven consecutive years.
Founded in 1881 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Morris Brown College is a historical institution in Atlanta, being the first college in Georgia founded specifically for African-American students. The college opened its doors in 1885 with just 107 students and nine teachers and has since become an integral part of Atlanta’s educational landscape, which includes renowned HBCUs such as Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College.
As the college enters a crucial period of assessment for its accreditation status, the community and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the administration navigates this transition and the implications it may hold for the institution’s future.