The College that developed College Football Hall of Famer Jake Gaither (FAMU) makes a comeback

The Historic Black College and University (HBCU) Knoxville College was established in 1875 . The Skeleton still stands strong, yet the Body was left in a heartbreaking condition. It was once a beacon of hope with a Message of "Stronger Together." Located in Knoxville and the only HBCU in East Tennessee, it was the for a Chance at Higher Education for the Urban Communities and Children who were not presented with the opportunities of the large and prestige universities. Knoxville College was that opportunity for the natives of East Tennessee and that of a far reaching beacon bringing students and families from as far north and east as Harlem NY to the West.

Knoxville College is the alma mater of College Football Hall of Famer, the late Alonzo Smith "Jake" Gaither, Head Football Coach at Florida A&M University (FAMU) compiling a record of 204–36–4 for a .844 winning percentage. The legendary Coach Gaither graduated from Knoxville College, where he had played football, in 1927. Coach Gaither later completed a master's degree at Ohio State University in 1937. The Jake Gaither Trophy has been awarded to the best Black collegiate football player each year since 1978.  His legacy is celebrated with the Jake Gaither Classic each Fall as the Florida A&M University Rattlers battle their historic rivals on the  gridiron at Bragg Memorial Stadium. 

Like the legendary Coach Jake Gaither, Knoxville College is A Recovered Historic Treasure! 

COACH A.S. "JAKE" GAITHER

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — It seemed like a dream that would never come true; many had tried but to no avail, but the efforts by District 15 State Representative Rick Staples to see Knoxville College, one of the oldest HBCU schools in the nation reopened prevailed and the dream is finally a reality.

May 17th, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission voted YES to give Knoxville College back it’s accreditation. The college built by slaves in 1875 was given permission to begin receiving students this fall.

The initial classes will begin online with a goal of students returning to the physical campus by 2019.

The first degree to be offered will be an Associate Degree of Arts with four concentrations in the areas of mathmatics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Applications are now being accepted for this historic next class of KC Bulldogs who like a phoenix, has risen yet again.

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