Kevin James was appointed the nineteenth president of Morris Brown College in Atlanta. He has been serving in this role on an interim basis since March 2019.
In 2002, Morris Brown College lost its accreditation due to an unstable financial position. It filed for bankruptcy in 2012. The college filed a reorganization plan that was accepted by the bankruptcy court. The plan involved the sale of 26 acres of land to the city for $14.7 million. The college emerged from bankruptcy in 2015. Yet, due to the fact that the college is not accredited, enrollments remain very low. Earlier this year before the pandemic struck, the college reported enrollments of 35 students. Before it lost accreditation, enrollments were as high as 2,700 students.
The college has improved its financial outlook with the cancellation of more than $4 million in debt owed to the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. As a result of its improved financial position, Morris Brown College hopes to become a candidate for accreditation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
“I am honored to have been selected by the board to serve at the helm of Georgia’s only HBCU founded by Black people; being named permanent president will allow me to strategize future growth and direction from a longstanding viewpoint,” Dr. James said. “I look forward to continuing this great work in collaboration with the board of trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other shareholders to resurrect this historic college back to prominence. We will continue working to obtain accreditation, ensure financial stability, build a strong relationship with alumni, and grow enrollment.
Over the past 20 years, Dr. James has served in both faculty and administrative positions at several educational institutions including Grand Canyon University, Herzing University, Claflin University, ITT Technical Institute, Strayer University, and Northcentral University.
Dr. James holds a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and social sciences from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a master’s degree in business management, leadership, and organizational effectiveness from Troy University in Alabama, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Congratulations Dr. James. The Atlanta Branch of ASALH looks forward to your leadership as we work together to restore Fountain Hall (www.FountainHallATL.org). #TheHardReset