KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (September 2021) – The newly appointed administrators of East Tennessee’s last remaining Historically Black College (HBCU) bring experience, skills, and expertise to the table. They are a team prepared to receive the baton of progress handed to them by the previous leadership.
This year, the Knoxville College Board of Trustees elected the following officers to lead the college through the next phase of reopening to emerge as the fully functioning, reputable HBCU in Knoxville we knew and loved.
The new team has already achieved a $200,000 grant from the City of Knoxville, and is working to restore the former faculty residence to be used as affordable housing for a select group of youths that could also generate income for the college.
The village of Knoxville has also stepped up to support Knoxville College. Black Coffee Justice held a Juneteenth celebration on the grounds. And the Mechanicsville community, which encompasses the KC campus, has coordinated its homecoming festivities with the 2021 KC Homecoming, October 22 -23rd. Events are posted on ETEnlightener.com.
Knoxville College Interim President and CEO – Leonard L. Adams, Jr., is the founder of Quest Community Development Organization, Inc., a Georgia-based non-profit organization. As an entrepreneur, Adams has over 25-years of experience in developing affordable-supportive housing communities and providing services to those underserved. He is a results-oriented leader with a record of accomplishments in leadership, fiscal, strategic and operational strengths.
Adams is a United States Army war veteran, who is committed to supporting urban community development and serves as a catalyst for change through his work serving homeless and low-income special needs men, women, families and veterans.
Mr. Adams has served as an officer on the Knoxville College Board of Trustees as well as the Co-Chair for the national non-profit, Back on My Feet Atlanta Chapter.
Mr. Adams gained his MBA from Kennesaw State University and completed his undergraduate studies at Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN.
Chief Operating Officer – Dr. Dasha Lundy, DPT, is a native Knoxvillian and is also a Knox County Commission representing the x District, her life-long village. Dr. Lundy is a physical therapist who earned a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Masters of Physical Therapy from Tennessee State University and Doctorate from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.
Dr. Lundy is a past president of the Burlington Residents Association and serves on the City of Knoxville Historic Zoning Board, East Tennessee Community Design Center Board, and East Knoxville Business and Professional Association Board. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Lundy was Vice-Chair of the Knoxville College Board of Trustees.
VP Academic Affairs – Dr. Ebony Bowers, Ph.D., HS-BCP, will continue in the position she has sustained for 3-years. She has also served as a KC adjunct professor.
Dr. Bowers is the founder of NPS & Grant Solutions, LLC. She has an extensive academic background in Human Services with a Masters with an emphasis in Community Counseling Psychology, a Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies. She earned her doctorate from Walden University and an undergraduate degree from Springfield College.
Dr. Bowers has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years. Eight of those years were as the director of Keeping Every Youth Safe (K.E.Y.S.) a state and national award-winning nonprofit after-school program in North Carolina. Dr. Bowers has volunteered to assist organizations in obtaining non-profit status. She has also written grants that reaped over $500,000 for various nonprofit organizations.
Admissions and Registrar – Evetty Satterfield, M.S.W., is a Knoxville native. She is also the Knox County School Board representative for District one. Satterfield has a Master’s in Leadership and Development from Washington University, St. Louis; Bachelors in Collaborative Teaching.
In her youth, Satterfield was on a mission to improve her community. According to her LinkedIn profile, Satterfield has participated in the Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals (2017-2019); chaired the East Knoxville Business & Professional Assoc, Inc (2017-2021); Young Elected Officials under 35 Network; and a consultant for the East Tennessee Freedom Schools Children’s Defense Fund (2012 to present).
Director of Alumni Affairs – Michael Rodgers, has taught in the Knox County Schools system for 27-years, which includes his current position as a special needs teacher since 2000, and has been recognized as an Exceptional Educator. Rodgers earned his Bachelors in Vocal Performance at Knoxville College, Masters of Music at UT-Knoxville, and is a renowned vocalist with the Knoxville Opera. This year, the City of Memphis and Shelby County honored him with a resolution and Key to the City for his many contributions during his years there. Rodgers is also International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., according to his Linkedin profile.
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dministrative Engagement Specialist – Tyler Teague, a UT Knoxville 2018 graduate with a BS in Sport and Fitness Administration. He was an enrollment specialist at Roane State Community College before joining the KC team.
ABOUT KNOXVILLE COLLEGE: Knoxville College is a private, four-year, coeducational, liberal arts institution. The College is open to students of diverse backgrounds and cultures who seek a quality liberal arts education. The College provides a challenging and stimulating educational experience for students of demonstrated academic ability and for students of potential who have been afforded little advantage within society.
The college promotes the advancement of communities, its citizens and students, regardless of background by providing an opportunity for educational achievement, which includes social preparation for professional careers. The College offers programs with an education in the arts and sciences.
Additional information can be found on the college’s website at www.knoxvillecollege.edu.