By Lisa Rayam
Nervousness and exhilaration were emotions felt by the historic “Restoration Class” of Morris Brown over the weekend. The HBCU marked its 145th anniversary while also celebrating its largest graduating class since regaining accreditation in 2022 following a massive rebuilding effort.
Valedictorian Faith Shamley and Shandell Bright-Johnson sat down with WABE’s “Morning Edition” right after receiving their diplomas.
Both Shamley and Bright-Johnson reflected on the college’s years-long comeback and the experience of flipping their tassels and throwing their caps with a tighter-knit class of fewer than 100.
They also shared why they chose to enroll when the school’s reputation was being rebuilt, and what gave them the confidence to trust Morris Brown during this transitional period.
Morris Brown College regained its full accreditation for an additional five years, until 2031, according to the accrediting agency, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
“These are truly exciting times at Morris Brown College,” MBC President Dr. Kevin James said in a statement.
“We’re recognizing the anniversary of our 145th year while also celebrating both our reaffirmation of accreditation and our largest graduating class since our 2022 reaccreditation. This Restoration Class reflects a dedicated group of scholars who set their eyes on Morris Brown College and stayed committed all the way through.”
The celebrations come after a tumultuous first half of the year for Morris Brown leadership. James announced that the college’s board of trustees was firing him back in January, without giving him a “substantive explanation.”
Then, the board reinstated James less than a week after he announced he’d been fired, and announced they’d reached a mutually agreed-upon resolution.
The board wrote that the firing did not fully comply with the contractual requirements outlined in James’ employment agreement.
Morris Brown officials never gave any reason for the termination.
But WSB-TV reportedly obtained internal documents that show a series of grievances filed against James by former staff members.
