Knoxville College Administration Building Destroyed in Fire Amid Efforts to Reopen After Losing Accreditation

Knoxville College Administration Building Destroyed

A fire destroyed the long-shuttered administration building at Knoxville College, a historically Black institution in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Monday night. The blaze, which started around 8:30 p.m. ET, caused the century-old building to collapse entirely. Knoxville Assistant Fire Chief Mark Wilbanks confirmed that there were no injuries, but the building, which had been closed for decades, was deemed a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the college’s campus, including the administration building, had been boarded up to prevent break-ins and other incidents, as the school has experienced such issues in recent years.

Founded in 1875, Knoxville College is a small HBCU that has faced significant challenges over the years. After losing its national accreditation in 1997 due to declining enrollment, the college struggled to regain its footing. In 2018, the state allowed the school to resume offering courses, but they have been conducted online, as the campus itself remains largely unused. Efforts to rebuild and reopen the college continue, with the administration building's destruction marking a major setback.

The administration building that burned had been out of use for many years, with Knoxville College Board of Trustees member Frank Shanklin Jr. noting that it had not been occupied in the last 40 or 50 years. While the building was no longer in active use, it held historical significance for the college, which is one of the oldest Black colleges in the state. The loss of the building adds to the ongoing struggles the institution faces as it tries to restore its reputation and reopen its doors to students.

Local officials expressed sorrow over the fire’s impact on the community. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, who visited the scene, called the incident “a sad day for our city.” Despite the destruction, leaders from the college and local officials remain committed to the goal of reviving the institution. Shanklin emphasized the ongoing efforts to bring the college back, saying, "We're going to keep fighting for Knoxville College," and urged the public to continue supporting the cause.

While the fire marks another hurdle for Knoxville College, the community’s resolve to preserve its legacy is unshaken. The school’s trustees and supporters remain hopeful that, despite the challenges, the college will eventually regain its accreditation and resume offering educational opportunities to future generations. The road to recovery will be difficult, but leaders are determined to keep fighting for the college’s survival and revitalization.

Knoxville College Administration Building Destroyed in Fire Amid Efforts to Reopen After Losing Accreditation