Knoxville, United States - November 04, 2024 A significant blow struck Knoxville College on Monday night as the historic administration building of the struggling historically Black institution was engulfed in flames and completely destroyed. The fire, reported around 8:30 p.m. ET, raised concerns at the campus, which has been facing a myriad of challenges, including building security issues and slumping enrollment. Knoxville Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks confirmed there were no injuries, but lamented the loss of the building, which he noted was over 100 years old. “This building has completely collapsed and is a total loss,” Wilbanks stated on the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Founded in 1875, Knoxville College lost its national accreditation in 1997 and has since struggled to regain footing. Although it was allowed to resume courses in 2018, they have been offered online amid ongoing efforts to restore its accreditation. With many campus buildings boarded up to prevent break-ins, the loss of the administration building adds to the institution’s struggles. “This is just a sad day for our city,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, who was present at the fire scene. Board of trustees member Frank Shanklin, Jr. echoed a sentiment of resilience, stating, “We’re going to keep fighting for Knoxville College,” and urged the community to keep the institution in their prayers.