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History of King

King College was founded in 1867 by Presbyterians who resolved to create a College of "such high order as will greatly elevate the standard of classical and scientific instruction in East Tennessee." King is an independently governed institution with covenant affiliations to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Consistent with its historic motto Ecclesiae et Litteris (For the Church and For Learning), the Christian character of the College is expressed in a program intentionally built on a foundation of the classic Presbyterian tradition, the authority of Scripture, and personal commitment to Jesus and His service.

The College is committed to a regional, national, and international constituency. King College strives to enrich the collegiate experience and broaden its service by having an ethnically and geographically diverse student body. Applicants are accepted into the College upon evidence of academic qualifications and are admitted without regard for ethnic or religious background.

History

In 1867, King's founding fathers envisioned a college that would elevate the standard of instruction in East Tennessee. King College today reflects a nationally recognized academic program with a worldwide reach that far surpasses the early expectations and prepared King for continued leadership in a new century.

The leaders of Holston Presbytery assembled at the old Pleasant Grove Church in April 1866, only one year after the end of the Civil War, with the goal of creating a college that would combine academic excellence and Christian commitment to fully develop the character as well as the intellect of students. Those leaders were individuals of faith and dedication, as was the Rev. James King who came forward to offer land and buildings for the college's campus. The Presbytery gratefully accepted the gift, resolving to name the institution King College in his honor. The first classes were offered in August 1867.

The Rev. James Doak Tadlock, King's first president, instilled in his pupils a determination to make their lives useful in the service of humanity. The quality of instruction was strengthened by the close personal relationships established between the president and his students, and the critical skills imposed by high standards. During Tadlock's 18 years at King, more than 70 percent of graduates continued some form of graduate or professional training after leaving King, an astonishing record considering the times.

When Tilden Scherer became president in 1912, it was evident the college had outgrown its campus. In response to the need for a new location, Isaac Anderson, the grandson of James King and one of the college's first graduates, offered 40 acres of a wooded hillside just east of Bristol. King College moved to its new and present campus in 1917.

The post-World War II years were a time of growth and achievement. Under the 25-year administration of President Robert Todd Lapsley Liston, a number of new buildings were erected, the present oval was designed and the whole appearance of the campus was reshaped. King's academic program was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1947. Graduate and professional schools and various educational groups soon reorganized King for the distinction of the academic program and the quality of its graduates. For example, the John Templeton Foundation chose King College as one of the Best Colleges in America for developing strong moral character in its students.

The 1970s were characterized by an ongoing time of partnership with the community. Many new relationships were formed with business and civic leaders that advanced King's position as one of the region's most respected educational and cultural assets. Similarly, the pervasive influence of a college community with a genuine care for the academic and personal development of its student body positively shaped the lives of a generation of King College graduates.

Under the leadership of President Donald R. Mitchell during the 1980s, King was recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the nation, one among only 16 in the whole South. Recognition has since followed from Peterson's Guide to Top Colleges for Science, which named King's science and mathematics program one of the top 200 in the country. King also has been included multiple times in America's Best Christian Colleges and The Student Guide to America's 100 Best College Buys. For the last 14 consecutive years, King has been ranked one of the best colleges in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, which also recently named King a Best Value in regional liberal arts college in the South.

In early 1998, the Rev. Gregory D. Jordan was inaugurated as the 21st president of King College. One of his first actions in office was the successful completion of the largest comprehensive campaign in King's history, which exceeded the $12 million goal by more than $3 million and was concluded two years earlier than expected.

President Jordan has recently led trustees, faculty, and staff through a strategic planning process that has established bold goals for growth in programs, endowment, and facilities. The enthusiasm and visionary qualities of the current administration, combined with support from the community and alumni, positions King for continued success and growth for an auspicious future of excellence and service.

Institutional Research and College Archives

The College archives are housed in the E.W. King Library and are maintained under the direction of Dr. William J. Wade, Professor Emeritus of History, and Mr. Matt Peltier, Director of the Library and Learning Services. Inquiries should be directed to: