Kevin James will return to his post at Morris Brown College as president.

As AFROTECH™ previously told you, James was removed from his post by the college’s Board of Trustees just over a week ago “without providing specific cause or substantive explanation,” he shared on LinkedIn. Trustee Nzinga Shaw was appointed interim president.

James became the 19th president of Morris Brown College on March 1, 2019, and brought 24 years of experience as an educator to the role, notes Fox5Atlanta.

Under his leadership, James helped Morris Brown College regain accreditation in 2021 after losing it in 2002 due to debt and financial mismanagement, per a separate AFROTECH™ article. James also restored access to federal financial aid, grew enrollment from 20 to over 540 students, and established long-term financial stability, among other accomplishments, per his LinkedIn post.

He described the timing of his departure as “troubling” in the post, stating that the university was nearing an accreditation review.

“This action is 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 said in the post.

“I dedicated myself fully to the restoration and resurgence of Morris Brown College, and I stand firmly behind the progress we achieved together. 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,” he added.

On Jan. 20, James was reinstated to his post after a Jan. 16, 2026, resolution was passed by the school’s Board of Trustees, according to a news release. Morris Brown College’s Board of Trustees acknowledged in the release that his departure did not comply with the procedural and contractual requirements outlined in his employment agreement.

“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 release stated. “The Board acknowledges that this period has been disruptive and painful for members of the Morris Brown community. The board deeply regrets the harm this has caused our institution, students, families, donors, supporters, and Dr. James.”

After his reinstatement, James told Atlanta News First that his focus remains on the students and that hard work lies ahead.