By Tavon N. Thomasson
Special to the AFRO
tthomasson@afro.com
After seven years as president of Morris Brown College, Dr. Kevin James was removed from his position by the Board of Trustees on Jan. 12, according to a press release.
“The Board extends its deep gratitude to Dr. Kevin James for his years of service and leadership at Morris Brown College,” the statement said. “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 Nzinga Shaw, a current trustee and co-chair of the Board’s Facilities Committee, “will assume day-to-day operational duties as Interim President of the College.”
Following the press release, James addressed the decision in a LinkedIn post, stating the Board released him “without providing specific cause or substantive explanation.”
“This action is deeply concerning. Research and my lived experience demonstrate that many HBCUs have struggled with board overreach and interference,” said James in his statement. “Unfortunately, those dynamics are evident in this situation.”
James also criticized the timing of the decision, noting that it came just a few weeks before an upcoming reaffirmation review. He also said the Board failed to follow established governance best practices and the terms of his existing contract with the institution.
“I dedicated myself fully to the restoration and resurgence of Morris Brown College, and I stand firmly behind the progress we achieved together,” said James in his statement. “While I am deeply disappointed by the Board’s decision, I am grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community partners.”
While James expressed disappointment with the decision, college officials framed the change as part of a broader effort to continue advancing the institution toward its goals.
“Morris Brown College remains firmly committed to its students, its mission, and its long-term strategic vision,” said Bishop Michael Mitchell, chair of the Morris Brown College Board of Trustees in a statement. “This transition in leadership will help to ensure continuity as we move forward with the important work of strengthening and advancing the College.”
The AFRO reached out to James and the Atlanta-based liberal arts college for additional comment. Neither had responded by the time of publication.