On Tuesday, the governing board of Morris Brown quietly walked back a chaotic leadership shake-up that raised questions about the HBCU’s stability. 

Less than a week after firing Kevin E. James from his role as the school’s top administrator, trustees have now reinstated him, admitting they did not follow their own rules.

“His leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment have been instrumental to the College’s advancement and stability,” said the college in a public statement. “The Board looks forward to Dr. James’s continued leadership, vision, and dedication to the College’s advancement.”

On Jan. 12, James, who has led Morris Brown since 2019, said on Facebook that he was abruptly terminated without “specific cause or substantive explanation,” and called the move “deeply concerning.”

“Research and my lived experience demonstrate that many HBCUs have struggled with board overreach and interference. Unfortunately, those dynamics are evident in this situation,” he shared.

The abrupt termination came only weeks before a critical accreditation reaffirmation review that could shape the college’s future. He went on to share that the timing couldn’t be worse.

In a statement, the board later acknowledged his separation “did not fully comply with the procedural and contractual requirements” in his employment agreement and pledged to correct actions that fell short of basic governance standards.

In 2002, the college lost accreditation after leaders inflated enrollment numbers to secure federal funds, which plunged the school into years of debt, bankruptcy, and dwindling enrollment. 

James has been called out as a hero, helping Morris Brown regain accreditation after 20 years. The school also shared that by obtaining accreditation candidacy, “Morris Brown is now eligible to apply to the U.S Department of Education to participate in financial aid programs and Title IV funding.”

For students and young alumni, the drama has revived fears that internal power struggles could derail the school’s fragile comeback. 

Trustees of the 140-year-old college said they “deeply regret the harm” caused to students, families, donors, and staff.