Morris Brown College Board Rescinds Termination, Reinstates President Dr. Kevin James

Morris Brown College has reinstated Dr. Kevin James as president after the institution’s Board of Trustees voted to rescind his termination, according to statements released by both Dr. James and the board.

The decision comes days after Dr. James publicly stated that the board had terminated his employment without explanation, despite a presidential contract extending through 2029. His removal occurred just weeks before the college’s scheduled accreditation reaffirmation visit, prompting widespread concern within the Morris Brown community.

In a press release dated January 20, the Board of Trustees announced that it had reached a mutually agreed-upon resolution with Dr. James on January 16, resulting in his return as the college’s 19th president. The board acknowledged that the decision to separate from Dr. James did not fully align with governance standards.

“After careful review, the Board determined that Dr. James’ separation from the College did not fully comply with the procedural and contractual requirements outlined in his employment agreement,” the statement read. “As fiduciaries of this institution, the Board recognizes its responsibility to adhere to established governance standards and to correct actions that fall short of those obligations.”

The board also acknowledged the impact of the situation on the campus community. “The Board acknowledges that this period has been disruptive and painful for members of the Morris Brown community,” the statement said, adding that it “deeply regrets the harm this has caused our institution, students, families, donors, supporters, and Dr. James.”

While rescinding the termination addressed governance and process issues, the board noted that broader concerns remain. “While correcting a governance and process failure is necessary, the Board recognizes that this action alone does not resolve broader concerns that have been raised regarding workplace culture, trust, and the experience of employees,” the statement said. The board further stated that “retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is not acceptable” and committed to reviewing governance practices and institutional processes to restore trust, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. James also issued a message following his reinstatement, expressing gratitude and reaffirming his commitment to the college. “I am honored to continue my seven-year journey serving as President of Morris Brown College,” he said. He thanked Board Chairman Bishop Michael Mitchell for his leadership and said he looked forward to continuing to work with him and the Board of Trustees.

Addressing students and parents, Dr. James emphasized their central role at the institution. “You are the heartbeat of Morris Brown,” he said. “You deserve stability, excellence, and leadership that protects your future and remains deeply committed to student success.” He added, “I promise my full focus and unwavering advocacy as your President… Our decisions will remain student centered, because our students are, and must always remain, the reason we exist.”

Dr. James also acknowledged faculty and staff for their leadership during the period of uncertainty. “You carried this institution through uncertainty with professionalism and grace,” he said. “I see you. I respect you.”

Looking ahead, Dr. James said the college’s immediate priorities include healing and continued preparation for the upcoming accreditation reaffirmation visit. “The work continues,” he said. “Our immediate priorities are to begin the healing journey while continuing our focused preparation for our upcoming accreditation reaffirmation visit in two weeks. We will be ready.”

Morris Brown College regained accreditation in 2022 after nearly two decades and has since worked to rebuild enrollment, financial stability, and national visibility. In its statement, the board said the institution “remains steadfastly focused on its mission, its students, and its future.”

Read the full statements below: