Morris Brown College announced that its accreditation application with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) has been approved.
Dr. Kevin James, president of Morris Brown College, made the announcement on Wednesday, November 11.
“This is history in the making. Morris Brown intends to become the first HBCU to earn its accreditation back twenty years after losing it." James said.
“The institution now has national visibility and resurgence. I am also excited about the revitalization of the institution’s academic programs and student services, including new programs such as Esports Performance, Global Management and Applied Leadership, and Hospitality Management. Morris Brown can now compete again, and great things are in store for MBC.”
When Morris Brown achieves candidacy status it will give the college all the rights of a fully accredited college, which allows students to receive federal financial aid. Additionally, student degrees will be recognized by other schools and/or employers.
In 2002, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) revoked Morris
Brown’s accreditation due to debt and financial mismanagement. The school has been fighting to survive ever since.
Morris Brown has seen improvements ever since James was installed as the school's president. He was given the interim position in 2019 and formally accepted by the Board of Trustees in 2020.
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Bishop of the 6th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said, “I am excited about the future of Morris Brown College under Dr. James’ leadership. Morris Brown has made tremendous progress within the last twenty months. The funds raised at this year’s homecoming represents the largest homecoming fundraiser in the past twenty years. The state’s 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 approval Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, and now accreditation application approval with TRACS are clear signs that Morris Brown College is headed in the right direction and gaining momentum for its future.”
TRACS accredits many colleges and has authorized several historically Black colleges including Bennett College, Clinton College, Paine College, Paul Quinn College, Shorter College, and Virginia University of Lynchburg.
Representatives from TRACS intend to visit the campus in January 2021 for their final evaluation before candidacy consideration in April 2021.
A couple of weeks ago, Morris Brown raised over $500,000 during its 2020 virtual homecoming. contributors included alumni, supporters, and sponsors.
"COVID-19 slowed us down, however, we are super excited to be able to get this far in the process, especially during a pandemic. We are still pressing forward," James said. "We ask the community to continue to support our full restoration, specifically through donations on our website morrisbrown.edu. It is a new day for Morris Brown College."