Leadership Change at Morris Brown Raises Questions About Stability as College Nears Key Accreditation Review

ATLANTA, GA. — The sudden dismissal of Morris Brown College President Kevin E. James has raised concerns among students, alumni, and supporters about leadership continuity at a critical moment for the historically Black institution, which is approaching an important accreditation reaffirmation review.

The college’s board of trustees announced Monday that James, who had led Morris Brown since 2019, was no longer serving as president. In a statement, the college acknowledged James’ role in guiding the institution through a period of recovery and transformation but did not provide specific details regarding the decision.

James, however, said he was terminated without cause or explanation, describing the timing of the decision as troubling given the college’s upcoming accreditation review. His departure comes just years after Morris Brown regained accreditation for the first time in two decades, marking a major milestone in the school’s effort to rebuild following years of financial and institutional instability.

James assumed leadership when the college was operating with limited enrollment and lingering reputational damage stemming from past financial misconduct that led to the loss of accreditation in 2002. During his tenure, enrollment steadily increased, federal funding was restored, and Morris Brown reestablished itself as an accredited institution serving hundreds of students.

The board has named trustee Nzinga Shaw as interim president. Shaw brings a background in corporate leadership and diversity and inclusion work, though the board has not outlined how it plans to ensure continuity during the transition.

Morris Brown’s history includes bankruptcy proceedings, the sale of campus property, and the loss of key partnerships and funding sources. Alumni and supporters have long emphasized that strong, transparent leadership is essential to maintaining progress and avoiding setbacks.

The leadership change places Morris Brown among several HBCUs nationwide experiencing administrative turnover, highlighting broader challenges facing institutions balancing governance, financial sustainability, and accountability.

As the college prepares for its next accreditation review, students and alumni say the focus must remain on institutional stability, clear communication, and safeguarding the progress achieved after years of rebuilding.