Summary
As you browse the webpages of Morris Browns’ website you quickly conclude that the ideal Morris Brown student is a young person who is full of aspiration, who “might not otherwise receive the opportunity to compete on the college level.” (morrisbrown.edu) How does one come to that conclusion? The answer comes directly from Morris Brown’s initial home page; young people are showcased in all the imagery.
The quote also comes directly from the initial homepage. “Providing educational support to students who might not otherwise receive the opportunity to compete on the college level.” (morrisbrown.edu) What is the real meaning of this quote? What does the quote imply? What is the tone and who is the author’s audience? The author is attempting to commiserate with students who may have narrower options. Is one more likely to be accepted to Morris Brown than other institutions? What type of student “might not otherwise receive the opportunity to compete on a college level? Does this address cost?
Morris Brown is a liberal arts school. Morris Brown offers bachelor’s degrees in general studies, Psychology, Hospitality, Music, Organizational Management and Leadership, Global Management and Leadership (Esports). The school not only offers degrees but also provides certificates programs in Esports Performance (gaming), nonprofit management and business entrepreneurship.
They are advertising to young students as is evident the institution offers a curriculum in Esports (gaming)!! Also, the school is appealing to readers using pathos, catering to prospective students who may have diminished opportunities. The website continues “Students fitting the latter [students who might not otherwise receive the opportunity to compete on the college level] are given the tools they need to increase their potential for earning a college degree.” (morrisbrown.edu) This directly addresses the author’s probable audience, young, optimistic, students and advocating assistance for students that may have somewhat narrower options.
When looking into the history of Morris Brown the website boasts some of the school’s alumnus.
“Among our outstanding alumni are Isaac Blythers, former President of Atlanta Gas Light Company; Eula L. Adams, Executive Vice President for First Data Corporation; Albert J. Edmonds, Retired Lieutenant General of the United States Air Forces; the late Reverend Dr. Hosea Williams, civil rights leader; Thomas J. Byrd, actor of television, film, and stage; and Pulitzer prize-winning author, James A. McPherson. Adams and Edmonds were cited by Fortune Magazine among the nation’s top African American corporate executives.” (morrisbrown.edu/history/)
The list of alumni is notable and serves satisfy the credibility of the school using ethos. The passage is careful to mention “Adams and Edmonds [had been] cited by Fortune Magazine among the nation’s top African-American corporate executives.” Keeping in mind a potential audience, African Americans. They mentioned this earmarking “African American” because Morris Brown is an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines an HBCU as a school established prior to1964 whose principal goal “was and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” (US Department of Education). Morris Brown traditionally an HBCU, lost its accreditation in 2002. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) revoked Morris Brown’s accreditation, after a former college president and financial aid director were found to be misappropriating federal funds and rising debt. (US News). 20 years later, in 2021, the college was rewarded its accreditation, not from SACS but from from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a Virginia-based accreditation agency. (CNN) Though SACS is seen as a more established accreditation agency, MBC has been able to reinstate Federal funding through TRACS.
There is a definite tone that the school portrays.
#restoremorrisbrown #thehardreset (morrisbrown.edu) are the mantras used to strengthen community support for Morris Brown, appealing to potential students that the institution has renewed itself.
Founded in 1881 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, MBC boasts a campus ministry and associated services. According to the siter the campus ministry “is designed to respond to the needs of the campus community” which includes bible study, music ministry, pastoral counseling, Religious Emphasis Week, prayer vigils, breakfasts and/or luncheons. (https://morrisbrown.edu/student-services/#campusministry). It is obvious that the writer is targeting an evangelical audience.
With all of the convincing the school is attempting to accomplish through its webpages, Morris Brown would not be an institution I would choose to attend. As stated above, because MBC is not a member of SACS, their degrees obtained from MBC may not be widely recognized and accepted. Also credits from MBC may not be as easily transferable to other institutions in the southeastern region and throughout the nation for that matter. Though it is commendable that Morris Brown College is trying hard to reinvent itself, it will take quite a bit of an overhaul to get it done. Perhaps soon enough rejoining SACS. I look forward to Morris Brown College picking itself up and reinstating itself as a reputable intuition.