KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After serving as Knoxville College's interim president, the college announced Tuesday that Rotesha Harris was appointed to keep serving as its 32nd official president.
According to May 2024 tax filings, she was also listed as a trustee for the college. The college said she has around 20 years of higher education experience, and said she would serve as its president as the college prepares to mark its 150th anniversary.
Knoxville College is East Tennessee's only Historically Black College or University and was founded in 1875.
"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. Together, we will strengthen our foundation and work diligently to regain accreditation, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come," Harris said in a statement on social media.
She will also lead the college as it continues seeking reaccreditation. Some feedback it received in September found 23 violations preventing the college from moving forward with reaccreditation such as not reporting current student enrollment numbers, leadership confusion and financial concerns.
According to the statement on social media, Harris is expected to continue guiding the college to regain full accreditation.
The college was also the site of a massive fire in November which burned down a historic building. Harris was serving as the college's interim president at the time, and said the school planned to "we have built from the ashes before, and we will build from ashes again."