Knoxville College Set to Apply for Reaccreditation After 27 Years
In notable local news, Knoxville College, nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, is finally set to apply for reaccreditation. The historic college, which has been functioning without accreditation for over two decades, seeks to reestablish itself as a recognized institution of higher learning.
Origins and Challenges
The only historically black college in East Tennessee, founded in 1875, lost its national accreditation in 1997 leading to a decline in student enrollment and financial challenges. Student eligibility for federal financial aid was also blocked due to lack of accreditation which further worsened matters.
Road to Reaccreditation
The path of reaccreditation is crucial for the sustainability of the Knoxville College, a path that has been under preparation for years. The application to the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) is anticipated to be submitted within the next 30 days. This is an important milestone as the college works towards meeting educational standards outlined by the TRACS.
Revival Efforts and the Role of Leadership
Dr. Michael Bowie, the Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, has discussed how the Knoxville College has been steadily working towards this impending submission. The selected candidate will play a vital role in ensuring the reaccreditation process is carried out flawlessly.
TRACS Guidelines for Accreditation and the School’s Current Status
Accreditation requirements from TRACS include maintaining standards of integrity in operations, financial stability, adequately qualified workforce, and top-quality educational programming. At present, Knoxville College has 13 faculty and staff members. The college is also required to pay off their existing financial obligations, including a debt of $1.8 million.
Steps Following Application Submission
Post application submission, the Applicant Review Committee from TRACS will scrutinize the documents and make their approval decisions. They will also visit the Knoxville College campus as part of their evaluation process. If approved, the college would be able to offer financial aid for the next five years, a significant advantage that will boost student enrollment.
