Morris Brown College reinstated President Kevin James one week after the board abruptly terminated him, saying the separation did not comply with contractual and procedural requirements. The board’s statement acknowledged mistakes in process and emphasized the need to correct governance failings ahead of the college’s upcoming accreditation reaffirmation. James framed his rehiring as a return to steady leadership and prioritized campus healing and accreditation readiness. The episode highlights fragile governance at small, turnaround institutions—where procedural errors and rushed trustee actions can threaten accreditation, donor confidence and federal recognition. Governance experts say the incident should prompt immediate steps: clearer employment contracts, strengthened board training, and transparent communication with accreditors and key funders.