KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville College is one step closer to being reaccredited. The historically Black college was founded in 1875. It is East Tennessee's only Historically Black College or University. Knoxville College lost accreditation in 1997, and the school hasn't offered in-person classes in years.
Now, it's working on getting reaccredited and alumnus said they are ready to see their alma mater restored.
Cynthia Fleming is a third-generation graduate. Her family's connections to the college date back to 1917. She was the last of her family to graduate from the school in 1971. She said it's important to her for the college to regain accreditation.
"There is still a need for the historically Black colleges because they reach students who might not necessarily be comfortable in other kinds of institutions," Fleming said.
She said her time at Knoxville College led her to pursue a Ph.D. in history at Duke University, making her the first Black woman at the institution to earn that degree.
"That's how well Knoxville College prepared me and nurtured me," she said.
Alvin Armstead, an alum and past alumni president, said without the college he doesn't know where he'd be.
"Kids from all over the country who were in situations like me. A lot came from inner city areas, a lot came from maybe not so well-off home lives, but that school opened its doors to us and allowed us to come in, get a good education," Armstead said.
He said people have been working to bring back the school they all know and love.
"It's an uphill battle, but I think the reality is that we fight that battle every day and we will get Knoxville College back because we have people who are invested in it," he said.
Both said they will continue supporting the historically Black college that gave them opportunities they'd never have had otherwise.
"It would be fitting a fitting epitaph for the school to come back because of all these people gave and all that Knoxville College has accomplished," Fleming said.