Knoxville College, historically Black school, names new president

Dec 05, 2024 | 6:06 am ET

By Angela Dennis

Knoxville College, historically Black school, names new president

Dr. Rotesha Harris has been named the new president of Knoxville College, a historically Black school. (Photo: Angela Dennis)

The Knoxville College Board of Trustees announced the appointment of interim president Dr. Rotesha Harris as the 32nd President of Knoxville College on Tuesday.

Harris has been operating as the school’s interim President since August and has served on the college’s board for the past year according to Frank Shanklin, a member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

She previously served as Associate Vice President of Internal Audit Grants and Contracts Accounting at Clark Atlanta University, in Atlanta’s renowned Atlanta University Center (AUC) district.

Dr. Rotesha Harris, president of Knoxville College. (Photo: Submitted)

The appointment follows a tumultuous year for the college, including a November fire that destroyed the historic Elnathan Hall, a 126-year-old structure that is one of several campus buildings on the National Historic Register. The fire highlighted the college’s pressing need to preserve its remaining historic buildings and reinvigorate its academic programs after years of operating without accreditation.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Harris at the helm during this transformative time,” said Dr. Eric Barnes, Chair of the Knoxville College Board of Trustees in a press release. “Her unmatched skill set, dedication to academic excellence, and strong work ethic make her the perfect leader to usher Knoxville College into its next chapter of growth and achievement.”

Harris, who stepped in after the resignation of former President Leonard Adams in June, has nearly two decades of experience in higher education.

“As we approach this historic milestone of 150 years, I am committed to ensuring that Knoxville College continues to be a beacon of opportunity and excellence”, said Harris. Together, we will strengthen our foundation and work diligently to regain accreditation, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come.”

Knoxville College leaders told Tennessee Lookout in November that the school is continuing to seek accreditation and is working to address several compliance and financial violations found during the application process by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).