Morris Brown College, a historically Black institution in Atlanta, abruptly terminated its president, Kevin E. James, on Monday evening. The decision has left alumni, students, and the broader community seeking answers, as James was widely credited with restoring the college's accreditation and financial stability.
In a social media post, James announced his termination, stating that the Board of Trustees had not provided him with a reason for the sudden dismissal. The move comes just weeks before a critical on-site evaluation by the college's accrediting body, raising concerns about institutional stability.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Kevin E. James announced he was terminated as president of Morris Brown College without cause.
- The college's Board of Trustees confirmed the decision and named Dr. Nzinga Shaw as interim president.
- The termination occurred just before a scheduled accreditation site visit in February.
- James led the college in regaining its accreditation in 2022 after a 20-year lapse.
- Alumni and higher education experts have expressed concern over the timing and lack of transparency.
An Unexpected Announcement
The news broke on Monday night when Kevin E. James posted on his personal Facebook account that his tenure as president had ended. "I can’t imagine why this has happened," James wrote, indicating that he was not given a reason for the board's decision. He thanked the community for their support during his time at the college.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the Morris Brown community. Many alumni took to social media to express their support for James and question the board's logic. The college had just begun its spring semester classes on Monday, adding to the sense of disruption.
In response to the public outcry, the college issued a brief statement confirming the leadership change. Board Chair Bishop Michael Mitchell stated the board is "committed to advancing Morris Brown College" and ensuring a smooth transition. The statement introduced Dr. Nzinga Shaw, a board member, as the interim president.
A Critical Juncture for Morris Brown
The timing of the leadership change is particularly concerning for supporters of the college. Morris Brown is scheduled for a crucial on-site evaluation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) in February. This review is a standard part of maintaining accreditation, a status the college fought for two decades to reclaim.
The Long Road to Accreditation
Morris Brown College lost its accreditation in 2002 due to severe financial mismanagement, which led to a near-collapse of the institution. For 20 years, the college operated without accreditation, severely limiting its ability to attract students and secure federal funding. Dr. James, who took office in 2019, made regaining this status his top priority, achieving the goal in April 2022.
Experts in higher education have noted that such an abrupt change in leadership right before an accreditor's visit is highly unusual and potentially risky. Marybeth Gasman, a professor at Rutgers University and executive director of the Center for Minority Serving Institutions, called the timing "troubling."
"To make a presidential change in the middle of a review is challenging," Gasman said. "It doesn't look good for stability."
She added that board interference is a common issue at smaller colleges, and such moves can disrupt progress and erode donor confidence.
The Legacy of Kevin E. James
During his tenure, which began in 2019, Kevin E. James was widely seen as a transformative leader for Morris Brown. His administration is credited with several major accomplishments that pulled the college back from the brink.
Presidential Tenure at HBCUs
The average tenure for a president at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is approximately three years, according to a recent study. Experts believe this high turnover rate can hinder long-term strategic planning and fundraising efforts. James's tenure, lasting over four years, surpassed this average.
Under his leadership, the college achieved the following milestones:
- Regained full accreditation in 2022 after a 20-year absence.
- Secured federal financial aid eligibility for its students.
- Increased student enrollment significantly.
- Established key partnerships and improved the college's public reputation.
Gasman described James's work as "incredibly impressive," highlighting his success in fundraising, building partnerships, and restoring the institution's credibility.
Questions Remain as New Leadership Steps In
As the community processes the news, attention is turning to the future. Interim President Dr. Nzinga Shaw has been tasked with guiding the college through its upcoming accreditation review and ensuring continuity.
However, the board has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind its decision. Board Vice Chair Darryl Hicks told reporters that more information would be forthcoming but did not provide a specific timeline. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation among alumni and supporters.
Meanwhile, James has hinted at a possible legal challenge. In his statement, he noted that his employment agreement runs until 2029 and that he intends to pursue all remedies afforded to him. "I will not speculate on the story behind this, but I will wait to hear for myself," he stated in a follow-up comment.
The coming weeks will be critical for Morris Brown College as it navigates this leadership transition under the watchful eye of its accreditors and a concerned community eager for both answers and stability.