Date: 11/05/2024
Press Statement from Dr. Rotesha Harris, Interim President of Knoxville College, on Overnight Fire.
"Are our hearts broken? Absolutely. Is our resilience broken? Absolutely, not! We are asking the community to join us in taking a deep breath, grieving and moving on. In the tradition of our ancestors, we have built from ashes before, and we will build from ashes again.
On behalf of the Board and myself, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Knoxville Fire Department, Assistant Chief Sonny Partin, and the first responders whose swift action and professionalism helped contain the fire and protect our community.
We are equally grateful to Mayor Indya Kincannon, Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie, and the many members of our Knoxville community who have shown their support during this challenging time. Knoxville College remains The Light on The Hill"'
About Knoxville College
Knoxville College is East Tennessee's only historically black higher education institution. An original member on the United College Negro Fund, the college was founded in 1875 as part of the missionary effort of the United Presbyterian Church of North America. Since 1875, Knoxville College has been a pillar for social justice, education, and economic building for citizens in the City of Knoxville. Knoxville College currently offers an Online Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies.