Dr. Kevin James
In his post, James said the board dismissed him abruptly and failed to offer "specific cause or substantive explanation" for the decision. He expressed particular concern about the timing, noting the Atlanta-based college is weeks away from an accreditation reaffirmation review.
"The timing of this decision is particularly troubling, as the institution is approaching its accreditation reaffirmation review in a few weeks," James wrote. "Equally concerning is that this action disregards established governance best practices and my existing presidential contract, which extends through 2029."
James was instrumental in helping to turnaround the struggling HBCU.
"Dr. James has played a meaningful role in guiding the institution through critical seasons of growth, resilience, and transformation," said a Morris Brown spokesperson. "The Board thanks him for his dedication to the students, faculty, staff and alumni, and the broader Morris Brown College community, and wishes him well in his next chapter."
The college announced that trustee Nzinga Shaw will serve as interim president, effective immediately.
James said he recently received a positive annual performance evaluation and plans to pursue "all rights and remedies" available under his contract. He cited several achievements during his tenure, including enrollment growth, clean financial audits, and the restoration of the college's accreditation.
