In the midst of what appeared to be a promising resurrection campaign, Morris Brown College unexpectedly fired its president on Monday.
Former President Kevin E. James made the announcement on his social media platforms, writing that the Atlanta college’s board of trustees made the decision without providing him an explanation.
His termination was the result of “board overreach and interference,” James wrote. “The timing of this decision is particularly troubling, as the institution is approaching its accreditation reaffirmation review in a few weeks.”
James declined an interview request. Morris Brown College issued a media release Monday evening. It did not offer an explanation for James’ termination but thanked him for his tenure. “Dr. James has played a meaningful role in guiding the institution through critical seasons of growth, resilience, and transformation,” wrote the school, adding that it “wishes him well in his next chapter.”
Nzinga Shaw, a trustee and former executive with the Atlanta Hawks, will take over as interim president “effective immediately.” In a brief phone call with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Shaw said she had no information to share and then hung up. A graduate of Spelman College, she is an “integral and respected” member of the board, according to the release.
“Morris Brown College remains firmly committed to its students, its mission and its long-term strategic vision,” wrote Bishop Michael Mitchell, chair of the board. “This transition in leadership will help to ensure continuity as we move forward with the important work of strengthening and advancing the College.”
That work will include its upcoming accreditation review. The school will need to remain accredited in order to continue receiving federal funds. While important for all schools, it is particularly meaningful at Morris Brown; the historically Black college nearly closed after its accreditation was revoked in late 2002 due to fiscal management and debt. Dolores Cross, who was president at the time, was accused of misappropriating millions of dollars and later pleaded guilty to embezzlement.
James was named president in 2020. One of his crowning achievements was helping Morris Brown regain accreditation in 2022, thus restoring its access to federal financial aid.
He wrote that the board’s decision “disregards established governance best practices.” And he noted that his contract extends through 2029. “I fully intend to pursue all rights and remedies afforded to me under that agreement,” he wrote.
The school had steadily been increasing enrollment over the past several years. James previously said he was aiming to double its enrollment from 400 to 800 over the next five years.
James wrote that he recently completed a successful annual evaluation and had received “consistently strong” performance reviews throughout his tenure. “Morris Brown College has literally made history under my leadership as President,” he wrote.
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