Morris Brown College President Kevin James fired, raising questions about governance as accreditation review looms

Board terminates president without cause weeks before critical accreditation review at historic Atlanta HBCU

Dr. Kevin James, who led Morris Brown College through one of the most significant periods in its modern history, Heannounced Monday that the school’s Board of Trustees terminated his presidency without providing specific cause or substantive explanation. The shocking dismissal comes just weeks before the Atlanta HBCU is scheduled to undergo a critical accreditation reaffirmation review.

In a LinkedIn post on January 12, 2026, James revealed that the Board’s decision took effect immediately. His contract was set to run through 2029. The termination has sparked concerns about governance issues at the historic institution. It has also raised questions about the timing of the move.

James cites board overreach

“This action is deeply concerning,” James wrote in his statement. “Research and my lived experience demonstrate that many HBCUs have struggled with board overreach and interference. Unfortunately, those dynamics are evident in this situation.”

James said he dedicated himself fully to the restoration and resurgence of Morris Brown College and stands firmly behind the progress achieved during his tenure. “I dedicated myself fully to the restoration and resurgence of Morris Brown College, and I stand firmly behind the progress we achieved together,” he stated.

A historic achievement: regaining accreditation

James’s tenure at Morris Brown, which began on March 1, 2019, was marked by extraordinary achievement. Under his leadership, the college accomplished what many thought impossible: regaining full accreditation after nearly 20 years.

On April 26, 2022, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) voted to grant Morris Brown full accreditation status. This monumental achievement came after nearly two decades of effort and represented a rare example of a college regaining accreditation after such an extended period. The accomplishment enabled students to once again apply for federal loans and Pell grants.

Morris Brown’s troubled accreditation history

The fate of Morris Brown College has been uncertain ever since the institution lost its accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 2002. The loss came under the leadership of former president Dolores Cross due to severe financial troubles.

Morris Brown was more than $23 million in debt and on probation in 2001 with SACS for shoddy bookkeeping and a shortage of professors with advanced degrees. In December 2002, SACS revoked the college’s accreditation. To keep the college financially afloat during this period, some administrators committed fraud, including obtaining loans on behalf of students who were unaware the college had applied for financial aid in their names. Cross pleaded guilty to embezzlement and was sentenced in 2007 to five years’ probation, including a year of home confinement.

Timing raises concerns

The timing of James’s termination is particularly troubling given that Morris Brown College is approaching its accreditation reaffirmation review in a few weeks. James noted this concern in his statement, suggesting that the leadership disruption could jeopardize the institution’s hard-won accreditation status.

Morris Brown College and the Board of Trustees have not yet released an official statement explaining the reasons for James’s termination. The sudden leadership change has sparked questions and uncertainty among the college community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are awaiting further details from the Board and the administration. The college, founded in 1881 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, currently matriculates students and offers degrees in music, organizational leadership, and psychology.

New interim president named

Following James’s termination, Morris Brown College has named Nzinga Shaw as interim president. Shaw, a strategic board advisor and corporate executive, brings extensive experience in governance, reputational management, and human capital challenges. She previously served as a trustee on the Morris Brown College Board and holds an honorary doctorate from the institution.

Shaw is notably the only person to serve as the first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for two Fortune 200 companies and was the first Chief Diversity Officer in the National Basketball Association, representing the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College.