Knoxville College submits application for reaccreditation in step toward revitalization

Months after announcing the process was on track to submit an application for accreditation, Knoxville College has sent its paperwork to the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, according to a newsletter released by the school.

The private, historically Black institution, founded in 1875 by the Presbyterian Church, has faced significant challenges in recent years, with goal of being reaccredited a critical factor in the college's future.

Classes have not been held on campus since 2017 due to safety concerns of the buildings. Several buildings on campus, located west of downtown Knoxville, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, although they are currently not in use.

The school now serves students online only.

Reaccreditation and search for new president underway

In June, Knoxville College leaders told Knox News that seeking reaccreditation topped the list of priorities for the school, which has been operating without a third party stamp of approval for more than two decades.

The loss of accreditation in 1997 hurt, contributing to its declining enrollment and financial difficulties. Students have been ineligible for federal financial aid, which has further complicated efforts to attract and retain students and faculty.

Michael Bowie, chair of the Knoxville College Board of Trustees, told Knox News in June that the school was on track to submit its accreditation application to TRACS this summer while also in the process of hiring a new president.

Outgoing Knoxville College President Leonard Adams, who had served as interim president in 2021 before taking on the role in 2022, announced his resignation in June .

"Whoever is selected and serves as our next president will play a key role in making sure this reaccreditation process is carried out smoothly," Bowie told Knox News in June.

School officials had previously outlined a proposed timeline for Knoxville College's search for a new president, starting on June 10 with recruitment and screening set to run through July 15. According to the plan, virtual interviews with candidates would take place in late July, followed by on-campus interviews with semifinalists in early August, allowing them to meet with the campus community. By mid-August the search committee was expected to recommend finalists to the trustees, who would make their selection, with the offer to be extended in late August. College officials have not responded to questions from Knox News about where the search process now stands.

TRACS accreditation process

To be granted accreditation from TRACS, a school must meet several requirements, such as standards of integrity in its operations and financial stability, which includes a regular review of its finances by the board of trustees.

The school is $1.8 million in debt, according to Knoxville College's most recently filed Form 990, an Internal Revenue Service form for tax-exempt organizations. The college owes the city of Knoxville more than $28,000 in property taxes, according to the city's property tax database.

The TRACS accreditation process involves several steps to ensure institutions meet standards of quality and integrity. The process begins with an initial inquiry, followed by an application orientation to review the eligibility requirements.

After submitting the application, the college will undergo a self-study, assessing its structure, effectiveness and areas for improvement. A TRACS evaluation team will visit and, if a college is successful, representatives will appear before the Accreditation Commission, which can grant candidacy status.

Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville College submits application for reaccreditation in step toward revitalization