In a dramatic reversal, Atlanta HBCU Morris Brown College has reportedly reinstated Dr. Kevin James as president. This comes less than a week after his abrupt dismissal, according to an update on the college’s official website.
Leadership Reversal at Morris Brown College
Dr. Kevin James, the longtime leader credited with guiding Morris Brown College through a historic comeback, is now listed again as president. The change was posted Tuesday on the institution’s online leadership directory. Officials have not yet issued a formal comment explaining the sudden decision. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
James had been fired by the Board of Trustees on Jan. 12. At the time, he said the move came without specific cause or explanation and signaled potential governance issues long seen in HBCU leadership disputes.
What Prompted the Reinstatement?
The BOT stated that James’ separation from the College “did not fully comply with the procedural and contractual requirements outlined in his employment agreement.” The group said it was their responsibility to adhere to the established standards and to “correct actions that fall short of those obligations.”
In a statement, the BOT acknowledged that James’ termination was “disruptive and painful for the members of the Morris Brown community,” saying it regrets the harm it caused. It continued by saying that while correcting a process failure is necessary, the BOT “recognizes that this action alone does not resolve broader concerns that have been raised regarding workplace culture trust, and the experience of the employees.”
James’ Legacy and Impact
Since beginning his tenure in 2019, Kevin James played a central role in the resurgence of Morris Brown College. Under his leadership, the historically Black institution regained full accreditation in 2022 after nearly two decades without it.
James also helped restore access to federal financial aid for students, significantly grow enrollment, and achieve clean financial audits — all key milestones for the institution’s sustained recovery.
Many in the HBCU community described his initial firing as shocking, particularly given the timing ahead of upcoming accreditation activities and James’ positive performance history.
Awaiting Official Details
As of now, Morris Brown College has not released a detailed explanation for James’ reinstatement. Comments from the board or James himself were not immediately available. However, the college’s updated leadership directory speaks volumes about the swift nature of the turnaround.
Members of the Morris Brown community — including alumni, faculty, and students — are reportedly watching closely as more information is anticipated. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.