Knoxville College was founded
in 1875 as part of the missionary effort of
the United Presbyterian Church of North America
to promote religious, moral, and educational
leadership among the freed men and women. Its
mission today is a direct outgrowth of the purpose
of its founding.
Knoxville College opened as a normal school
for the training of teachers, but was designated
a college in 1877 and Dr. John Schouller McCulloch,
who had been a chaplain in the Civil War, was
called as the College's first president. The
school offered teacher training and full college
courses in classics, science, and theology.
There were classes in agriculture, industrial
arts, and medicine (1895-1900). After the erection
of its first building, McKee Hall (the Administration
building) in 1876, students helped construct
most of the other buildings on campus. Wallace
Hall (1891) and McMillan Chapel (1913) were
built with student labor. A former student,
William Thomas Jones, designed McMillan Chapel.
Most of the bricks for these buildings were
made by students at the campus brick yard. In
1904, students made and used or sold one million
bricks. The College also owned some timberland
(give to the school by a former student) which
was used for its lumber needs.
Since there were so few blacks in the early
days who were prepared for higher education,
Knoxville College initially offered classes
from first grade through college level. The
elementary department was discontinued during
the 1926-27 school year, and the high school,
or academy was dropped in 1931.
Between 1902 and 1912, the State of Tennessee
contributed to the financial support of the
College's agricultural, industrial, and mechanical
departments. This arrangement lasted until the
State established Tennessee Agricultural and
Industrial College in Nashville. Gradually,
other areas of general and specialized training
were discontinued, until by 1931 Knoxville College
had become a liberal arts institution.
In 1997, the College was reorganized under new
leadership. The "new" Knoxville College
has strengthened its historic relationship with
the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has renewed
its commitment to the original mission of providing
challenging and stimulating educational experiences
for talented students demonstrating leadership
in their fields but afforded little opportunity
within society. In achieving this goal, the
"new" Knoxville College is entrepreneurial,
collaborative, and emphasizes commitment to
social justice and civic involvement.
At the "new" Knoxville College, no
one is denied an education. A vital component
to achieving this mission is our College Work
Program, which guarantees financial resources.
