Morris Brown President Calls Out HBCU Over Alleged Unjust Firing

[ad_1] by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman January 13, 2026

Ex-Morris Brown President Kevin James known as out the board's resolution, calling it "deeply regarding."

As Morris Brown Faculty publicizes {that a} new interim president will lead the HBCU, its former chief says he was fired for no trigger.

The Atlanta College Middle establishment shocked group members with its push to distance itself from its longtime president, Kevin James, whom it thanked. It acknowledged Morris Brown for serving to it attain its present level of fruition. The Morris Brown Faculty Board of Trustees introduced that certainly one of its members, Ms. Nzinga Shaw, will assume the duties of interim president.

The revived HBCU overcame years of accreditation points earlier than lastly permitting college students again on campus. Now, because it seeks to return to its former glory, the college is parting methods with the president who served it throughout this transition.

Nevertheless, James has spoken out about his obvious firing, which got here as a shock to the tutorial chief as properly. In a Fb submit, he wrote of the “deeply regarding” transition of energy with out an obvious purpose.

“Right this moment, the Morris Brown Faculty Board of Trustees terminated my service as President with out offering particular trigger or substantive rationalization,” wrote the educational chief. “This motion is deeply regarding. Analysis and my lived expertise reveal that many HBCUs have struggled with board overreach and interference. Sadly, these dynamics are evident on this scenario.”

James has served as president of Morris Brown Faculty for the previous seven years. Throughout his tenure, he helped the college in its reaccreditation efforts, which they lastly secured after nearly twenty years in 2022. He additional famous that information of his elimination might jeopardize the college’s upcoming reaccreditation evaluate.

“The timing of this resolution is especially troubling, because the establishment is approaching its accreditation reaffirmation evaluate in a couple of weeks,” detailed James.

In his public attraction, James additionally reminded the Morris Brown group of his work to guide the college into good standing. He emphasised enrollment progress, the return of economic support for college kids, and the profitable monetary audits performed by the college. Given the accolades he obtained throughout his tenure, he expressed concern about what may result in his elimination, particularly at this important time for the college’s future.

He added, “You will need to word that I just lately accomplished a profitable annual analysis and have obtained constantly robust efficiency evaluations all through my seven years of service. Morris Brown Faculty has actually made historical past below my management as President…I devoted myself totally to the restoration and resurgence of Morris Brown Faculty, and I stand firmly behind the progress we achieved collectively.”

Whereas James thanked the Morris Brown Neighborhood for permitting him to serve for years, others additionally famous that the Board’s hasty elimination might impression the college’s future. Supporters of James highlighted the Board of Trustees’ obvious “lack of transparency” relating to what led to their surprising resolution.

One commenter wrote, “This lack of transparency from the Board of Trustees is exactly why establishments battle to succeed in their full potential. Selections made with out rationalization undermine belief, accountability, and progress you’ve made. We stand agency with you.”

One other added, “To dismiss a president with a legitimate contract, robust evaluations, and historic outcomes, particularly on the eve of accreditation evaluate, raises critical governance issues that deserve scrutiny.”

James additionally famous that his elimination additionally violates his present contract with the HBCU, which states that he stays in management till 2029. Given this, he intends to “pursue all rights and cures” in gentle of this authorized violation. As his firing gained traction, a Board spokesperson launched a press release.

“Dr. James has performed a significant function in guiding the establishment by means of crucial seasons of progress, resilience, and transformation,” detailed the assertion obtained by 11Alive. The Board thanks him for his dedication to the scholars, college, workers and alumni, and the broader Morris Brown Faculty group, and needs him properly in his subsequent chapter.”