wfn.org | Knoxville College Reports Steady Progress Toward Long-Term

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Stability 
30-July-1998 
98242 
 
    Knoxville College Reports Steady 
    Progress Toward Long-Term Stability 
 
    by Julian Shipp 
 
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-In the process of recovering since the college lost its 
accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), 
Knoxville College officials are reporting steady growth and indications of 
long-term stability. 
 
    Knoxville College is one of eight racial/ethnic schools and colleges 
that are either owned by and/or receive funding from the Presbyterian 
Church (U.S.A.). An historically black institution, Knoxville College was 
founded in 1875 by what was then the United Presbyterian Church of North 
America. 
 
    Citing years of financial instability at the institution, SACS withdrew 
its accreditation from the college in March of 1997 despite the college's 
protest. The loss of accreditation resulted in severe repercussions, 
including disabling the college's ability to seek funds for financial aid. 
Undaunted, the college's board of trustees decided to undergo the lengthy, 
square-one process of applying for SACS accreditation last fall - 
essentially authorizing SACS to examine them as a new institution. 
 
    On June 24, SACS reviewed the college's request for an accreditation 
candidacy visit. As part of the standard accreditation process, Knoxville 
College asked for the visit so SACs officials could document the progress 
the college has made during the past year. 
 
    Knoxville College president Dr. Barbara Hatton told the Presbyterian 
News Service that the college "demonstrated significant progress and the 
review did not reveal any major weakness." However, SACS officials decided 
to postpone their visit until the final audit of the institution's general 
fund, which could not be conducted until the college's fiscal year ended 
June 30. 
 
    Hatton said SACS wants Knoxville to evaluate all its expenditures and 
sources of income, then try to determine whether or not the college will 
show a profit or loss for 1997-98. As of July 10, Hatton said, the college 
is projected to have a general fund balance of approximately $20,000 after 
all expenses and obligations are paid. 
 
    "Although we were not granted our on-site visit, we feel very positive 
about our recent review," Hatton said. "We have made tremendous progress, 
are meeting high standards and have been able to show compliance in all 
review areas. We are confident that the stability SACS is looking for will 
be reflected early next year and that an on-site visit will occur in a 
manner consistent with the implementation of our five-year plan." 
 
    The Rev. Mary Newbern-Williams, associate for racial/ethnic schools and 
colleges in the National Ministries Division, said that delaying the SACS 
visit will give Knoxville "a little more time to stabilize itself 
[financially] and demonstrate even more progress." 
 
    Hatton said Knoxville College will request a visit by SACS as soon as 
it has additional written documentation in the following three areas: 
planning and evaluation, library, and financial resources. A track record 
of sustained stability should be demonstrated by early 1999, and the 
college will request a visit at that time. 
 
    "Our plan for full enrollment and recognition within five years as the 
country's eighth [work/study] college is proceeding as envisioned," she 
said. "Our financials are strong, we have a balanced budget for the third 
consecutive year and our community support continues to increase. We are 
committed to adding new faculty members to maintain a higher proportion of 
professors holding the doctoral degree than is standard in our profession." 
 
    Knoxville College is licensed by the state of Tennessee. The college is 
monitored by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, has met all of its 
expectations and continues to meet its requirements. 

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