Dasha Lundy Appointed Interim President of Knoxville College

Knoxville TN, October 14, 2025

News Summary

Dasha Lundy has been named the interim president of Knoxville College, East Tennessee’s sole HBCU, following a significant leadership change. Facing a $4.4 million debt and challenges such as a loss of accreditation and dilapidated buildings, Lundy aims to restore community collaboration and address the college’s pressing issues, including initiating a new accreditation process after years of decline.

Knoxville – Dasha Lundy has been appointed as the interim president of Knoxville College as of October 2, following the resignation of Rotesha Harris in July. Knoxville College is East Tennessee’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The college has been facing significant challenges, including losing its accreditation in 1997 and not holding in-person classes since 2015.

Many college buildings are boarded up due to disrepair, with several having been damaged by fires. The historic Elnathan Hall was destroyed by fire in November 2024. Lundy’s recent leadership stint follows her resignation in 2023, where she expressed concerns about safety and the accreditation process at the college.

Lundy emphasizes the need for transparency and collaboration within the community to effectively lead and revitalize the institution. Her immediate priority as interim president is to address the college’s $4.4 million debt, which is due to balloon in January 2026. Additionally, the college has a lien from the City of Knoxville relating to repairs on nine buildings, with a $400,000 invoice issued, although current collection efforts have paused.

Lundy plans to start the accreditation process from scratch, which will require three clean audits, after previous leadership submitted an application that was deferred due to numerous violations. She has also highlighted the potential restructuring of the college, which could include new educational partnerships or community housing initiatives on campus land.

Emphasizing the importance of unity, Lundy calls for collaboration among the community and alumni to support the college’s mission of education and empowerment, which she believes is still relevant today. Her tenure as vice president and chief operating officer prior to her resignation prepares her to tackle the current issues facing the college effectively.

Historically, Knoxville College was founded in 1875 and once enjoyed peak enrollments of 1,200 students in the 1960s. However, it has seen a drastic decline since losing accreditation. Lundy stated that rebuilding efforts will require honest discussions about the college’s challenges and what is necessary for its future stability and growth.

By engaging community advocates and alumni, she aims to create a supportive environment that fosters educational opportunities for Black students and families in East Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Features of Knoxville College’s Current Situation

• Leadership Change: Dasha Lundy appointed as interim president.
• Financial Crisis: College faces $4.4 million debt.
• Accreditation Issues: Lost in 1997; plans to restart the process.
• Campus Condition: Many buildings are in disrepair and some have been damaged by fires, including the historic Elnathan Hall.
• Community Engagement: Calls for collaboration with alumni and community advocates to revitalize the college.

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Additional Resources

• WBIR: New Knoxville College Interim President Addresses Past Issues and New Plans
• JBHE: Dasha Lundy Selected to Lead Knoxville College on Its Path to Accreditation and Financial Stability
• Tennessee Lookout: Historic HBCU Knoxville College Names Dasha Lundy Interim President as it Rebuilds
• Knox News: Dasha Lundy to Return to Knoxville College as Interim President
• Chronicle: Once a Beacon, Now a Burden

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.