View source for King University

{{Short description|Private university in Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = King University
 | former_names           = King College (1867–2013)
 | image                  = King University Campus Arial Fall 2014.jpg
| image_size =
| caption   = The King campus as seen in Fall 2014
 | motto                  = ''Ecclesiae et Litteris'' ([[Latin]])
 | motto_lang             = Latin
 | accreditation          = [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|SACSCOC]]
 | academic_affiliations  = [[Council for Christian Colleges and Universities|CCCU]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cccu.org/members_and_affiliates/ | title=List of CCCU Institutions | date=26 July 2016 }}</ref> <br /> [[Council of Independent Colleges|CIC]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cic.edu/about/members | title=Members of CIC }}</ref> <br /> [[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities|NAICU]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naicu.edu/membership/membership-directory/member-detail?MemberId=%7B463B62FE-6042-E411-BEB5-00505683000D%7D&Alpha=K&keyword=|title=NAICU - member-detail|date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927164243/https://www.naicu.edu/membership/membership-directory/member-detail?MemberId=%7B463B62FE-6042-E411-BEB5-00505683000D%7D&Alpha=K&keyword= |archive-date=2021-09-27 }}</ref>
 | mottoeng               = For the Church and For Learning
 | established            = {{start date and age|1867|}}
 | type                   = [[Private university]]
 | religious_affiliation  = [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]]
 | endowment              = $39.9 million (2024)
 | president              = W. Andrew Tooley<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/about/office-of-the-president/ | title=Office of the President }}</ref>
 | students               = 1,357 (Fall 2022)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=King+University&s=all&id=220516 | title=College Navigator - King University }}</ref>
 | city                   = [[Bristol, Tennessee|Bristol]]
 | state                  = [[Tennessee]]
 | country                = United States
 | colors                 = {{color box|#1a428a}} {{color box|#cf102d}}<br>Blue & Red
 | coordinates            = {{coord|36.587|-82.159|type:edu|display=inline,title}}
 | campus                 = 135 wooded acres ({{cvt|0.55|sqkm}})
 | sports_nickname        = [[King Tornado|The Tornado]]
 | mascot                 = [[King Tornado|Twister the Lion]]
 | athletics_affiliations = [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[NCAA Division II|Division II]] – [[Conference Carolinas]]
 | website                = {{url|https://www.king.edu/|king.edu}}
| logo = King university textlogo.png
| logo_size = 200
}}

'''King University''' is a [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]]-affiliated [[private university]] in [[Bristol, Tennessee]], United States. Founded in 1867, King is independently governed with covenant affiliations to the [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]] and the [[Evangelical Presbyterian Church (United States)|Evangelical Presbyterian Church]] (EPC).

==History==
In April 1866, the Holston Presbytery assembled at the old Pleasant Grove Church in Bristol, Tenn., to establish a Christian college. The college was built on {{convert|25|acre|m2}} of land in Bristol that had been donated by [[Reverend]] James King, in whose honor it is named.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Merriam |first=Lucius Salisbury |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hQGdmfjqBP0C&pg=PA238 |title=Higher Education in Tennessee |date=1893 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |language=en}}</ref>  The first classes were offered in August 1867.<ref name="History of King College">{{cite web |url=http://about.king.edu/index.php?id=106 |title=King College: History of King College |work=About.king.edu |access-date=2011-03-16 |archive-date=2011-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719222514/http://about.king.edu/index.php?id=106 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:King College - Bristol, TN.jpg|thumb|left|The King College in 1915]]
When the college outgrew its small campus, King's grandson Isaac Anderson donated land on a hillside east of [[Bristol]] and in 1917, the college moved to its present location.<ref name="History of King College"/>

In January 2013, King College announced that it would change its name to King University.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldcourier.com/news/local/king-college-to-become-king-university/article_1cfd6284-6597-11e2-a7c6-001a4bcf6878.html|title=King College to become King University|first=ROGER BROWN &#124; BRISTOL HERALD|last=COURIER |website=HeraldCourier.com|date=23 January 2013 }}</ref> The name change reflects the master's-level, comprehensive benchmark that King has reached in recent years.  Becoming a university was the natural unfolding of King's strategic plan, unveiled in 1998, to create an even broader mix of programs based on a university model. On June 1, 2013, King College officially became King University.

In December 2013, King University was granted a Level V designation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ([[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|SACSCOC]]), after a two-year application and review process. As a result, King University began its first doctoral program, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, in the Fall 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dnp.king.edu/ |title=King University: DNP |access-date=2015-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202215224/http://dnp.king.edu/ |archive-date=2015-02-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Campus==
[[File:King University-Gate-Header 2022.jpg|thumb|King University Campus]]
The King University campus is located on {{cvt|135|acre}} approximately {{convert|1.7|mi|km}} from downtown Bristol, Tennessee.  All main buildings on campus are brick and of [[Georgian architecture|Georgian-style architecture]].<ref name="History of King College"/>  King University also has three additional Tennessee campuses located in [[Kingsport, Tennessee|Kingsport]] and [[Knoxville, Tennessee|Knoxville]]. There are 10 additional instructional locations across Southwest Virginia and Tennessee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.king.edu/educationcenters/|title=King University: Education Centers|website=King.edu|access-date=2016-04-08|archive-date=2016-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323100452/http://www.king.edu/educationcenters/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Accreditation and memberships==
King University is [[academic accreditation|accredited]] by the Commission on Colleges of the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] (SACSCOC)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacscoc.org/|title=Commission on Colleges|website=Sacscoc.org}}</ref>

King is a member of numerous associations, including the Appalachian College Association (ACA),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.acaweb.org/about-the-aca/members/ | title=Members | date=2 August 2018 }}</ref> the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ticua.org/|title=TICUA|website=ticua.org}}</ref> and the [[Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]] (CCCU).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cccu.org/|title=Council for Christian Colleges & Universities|date=May 9, 2019|website=CCCU}}</ref>

==Academics==
King University offers more than 80 undergraduate majors, minors and pre-professional programs. Several professional studies programs are offered for working professionals and most programs are available in face-to-face and online formats. King also offers several graduate programs: Master of Social Work (MSW),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/programs/social-sciences/master-of-social-work/ | title=Master of Social Work (MSW) }}</ref> Master of Business Administration (MBA),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/programs/business/mba/ | title=MBA Program - Part-Time and Full-Time Options }}</ref> Master of Education (MEd),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/programs/education/master-of-education/ | title=Master of Education Programs in TN &#124; M.Ed Degrees }}</ref> Master of Science in nursing (MSN),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/programs/nursing/msn/ | title=Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) }}</ref> and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/programs/nursing/dnp/ | title=Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree Program in TN }}</ref>

===Schools===
King University is organized into six schools:
*College of Arts and Sciences
*Peeke School of Christian Mission
*The School of Health and Professional Sciences
*The School of Business, Economics and Technology
*The School of Education
*The School of Nursing

===Libraries===
* E.W. King Library (main campus): The E.W. King library contains a collection of over 140,000 items and is located on the north side of the campus Oval.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.king.edu/index.php?id=1643 |title=Library: About the Library |publisher=Library.king.edu |access-date=2011-03-16}}</ref>
* Kingsport Information Resource Center: This center serves the college's students who attend classes in Kingsport, TN, and the surrounding area.<ref name="Knoxville Library">{{cite web|url=http://library.king.edu/?id=414 |title=Library: Knoxville Library |publisher=Library.king.edu |date=2011-03-11 |access-date=2011-03-16}}</ref>
* Knoxville Learning Center: This center serves the college's Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS) students who attend classes in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding area.<ref name="Knoxville Library"/>

===Curriculum===
The Core Curriculum of King University underwent its last major revision by the faculty during Spring 2009. The Core is composed of a Common Experience, four semester hours of courses that all tradition undergraduates must take at the college, and General Education, thirty-eight hours of courses that span the traditional liberal arts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://academics.king.edu/index.php?id=951 |title=King College: Core Curriculum |publisher=Academics.king.edu |access-date=2011-03-16}}</ref>

===Experience DC===
As part of the university's [[First Year Experience Program]], each year the entire freshman class travels to [[Washington, D.C.]] for an experiential learning trip known as ''Experience DC''. During the trip, students visit offices of legislators, national museums, international organizations, art galleries and various public venues.  Participants are challenged to explore their views on the arts, religion, varying cultures and issues facing humankind.  The trip also helps students examine career options.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://discover.king.edu/index.php?id=358 |title=Discover King: Experience D.C |publisher=Discover.king.edu |access-date=2011-03-16}}</ref>

===Institutes of King University===
Institute of Security and Intelligence Studies: The King Institute for Security and Intelligence Studies (KISIS) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the scholarly study and advancement of security and intelligence issues.<ref>The King Institute for Security and Intelligence Studies (KISIS) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the scholarly study and advancement of security and intelligence issues.</ref>

Institute for Regional and Economic Studies: The King Institute for Regional Economic Studies (KIRES) was established in 2012 to expand the scope of the King University Regional Economic Studies (KCRES) team. A small KCRES team was formed in 2010 within King's School of Business to provide analysis of economic problems and opportunities confronting the region served by King University.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/academics/schools-and-institutes/institutes-at-king/kings-institute-for-regional-and-economic-studies-kires/ | title=King's Institute for Regional and Economic Studies (KIRES) }}</ref>

Institute for Faith & Culture: The King Institute aims to cultivate a conversation that is both artful and substantial on issues of Christian faith and culture, creating spaces for students and community members to find friendship and shared purpose.<ref name="king.edu">{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/faith-and-values/institute-for-faith-and-culture/ | title=King Institute for Faith and Culture }}</ref>

==Student life==

===Student government===
The Student Government Association (SGA) is the formal representative entity for the student body, consisting of elected executive officers (President and Vice President) and a Senate representing each class (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior). The SGA serves as the voice of the students to the board of trustees, administration, faculty, and staff. The SGA also charters, funds, and oversees other student organizations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/student-life/activities/clubs-and-organizations/student-government-association-sga/ | title=Student Government Association (SGA) }}</ref>

===Student organizations===
Academic organizations include: STEA-KE (Education), History & Political Science Society, Psy Chi Honor Society, Forensic Science Club, Marketing Club, Finance Club, ENACTUS (formerly SIFE), and a collegiate chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.king.edu/student-life/activities/clubs-and-organizations/ | title=Clubs and Organizations }}</ref>

Performing arts-related organizations include: Collegium Musicum (Chamber Choir), Symphonic Choir, Men's Ensemble (All the King's Men), Women's Ensemble (Queen's of King), Jazz/Gospel Choir, Symphonic Band, 250 Jazz (Combo Jazz Ensemble - plays at basketball games occasionally), Chapel Band, and The King University Players (K.U.P.)<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.king.edu/student-life/students-changing-lives/|title = Students in Service}}</ref>

General interest organizations include [[Alpha Phi Omega]], the [[Newman Club]], a collegiate chapter of the International Justice Mission, the International Student Organization, [[College Republicans]], [[Young Democrats of America|College Democrats]], TISL, and a computer/video gaming club.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

===Student publications===
Students have the opportunity to work in [[journalism]] and [[publishing]]. ''The Kayseean'' is the student [[newspaper]]. ''[https://thekayseean.com/ The Kayseean]'' transitioned to an online format in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thekayseean.com/|title=The Kayseean – The Voice of the Students at King University for over 80 years.|website=thekayseean.com}}</ref> The school [[yearbook]] is ''The Tornado''.

===Student activities===
The Student Life Activities Committee at King (SLACK) is a student group responsible for organizing and executing student activities under the direction of the Director of Student Life.  Events in the past have included: [[concerts]], [[dances]], movies, outdoor adventures (canoeing, caving, ropes courses), overnight trips, International Fair, Oktoberfest, a late night exam breakfast, an end-of-the-year luau, Safe Spring Break promotion, and bingo nights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.king.edu/student-life/activities/student-life-activities-committees-at-king-slack/|title = Student Life Activities Committees at King (SLACK)}}</ref>

A program of [[intramural sports]], called SLACK Sports, is offered to students. Typical sports include: indoor soccer, flag football, volleyball, dodgeball, bowling, and ultimate frisbee. In addition, intramural video game tournaments, Texas Hold'em poker tournaments, chess tournaments, and board game nights are also held throughout the year.

==Athletics==
{{Main|King Tornado}}

The King athletic teams are called the Tornado. The university is a member of the [[NCAA Division II]] ranks, primarily competing in the [[Conference Carolinas]] (CC) since the 2011–12 academic year.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kingtornado.com/index.aspx | title=King University - Official Athletics Website }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.king.edu/news/|title=News|website=King University}}</ref> They were also a member of the [[National Christian College Athletic Association]] (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the Mid-East Region of the Division I level. The Tornado previously competed as an [[NCAA Division II independent schools|NCAA D-II Independent]] from 2009–10 to 2010–11; and in the [[Appalachian Athletic Conference]] (AAC) of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA) from 2001–02 to 2008–09.

King competes in 25 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include acrobatics & tumbling, basketball, cross-country, golf, softball, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling; and co-ed sports include bass fishing, cheerleading, cycling, dance and Esports.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://conferencecarolinas.com/sports/2021/1/14/GEN_0114213753.aspx | title=2021-22 Conference Carolinas Members }}</ref>

===University nickname===
The university nickname, the [[Tornado]], was adopted in 1922 following a 206–0 football win over North Carolina rival Lenoir College (now [[Lenoir–Rhyne Bears football|Lenoir–Rhyne University]]).<ref>''Bristol Herald Courier'': Sunday, October 22, 1922</ref>  The local newspaper covering the event wrote the headline "King College's Victory Was 'Tornado' Of Week's Games" and began referring to the football team as the "Tornado".<ref>''Bristol Herald Courier'': Monday, October 23, 1922</ref>  This is a record score which stands in the annals of collegiate football as one of the highest ever won on the [[Gridiron football|gridiron]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://king.prestosports.com//information/Why_Tornado|title=Why Tornado?|website=King University}}</ref>

===University mascot===
Twister, a lion, was unveiled as the university's new mascot on September 2, 2011. Twister is a fearless lion that represents the determination and courage reflected in King's adventure as an NCAA Division II institution. Equipped with his King colors of navy blue and scarlet red, Twister dons the number 11 on his back while rallying those in Tornado Athletics and the King University community.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.king.edu/index.php?id=47&tx_ttnews&#91university%5D=1232&tx_ttnews%5Bswords%5D=&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=10080&cHash=08cfa550cd007e3be1de26aaae8ec89b |title=King University News: Single News |access-date=2012-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116114730/http://news.king.edu/index.php?id=47&tx_ttnews&#91university%5D=1232&tx_ttnews%5Bswords%5D=&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=10080&cHash=08cfa550cd007e3be1de26aaae8ec89b |archive-date=2014-01-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Spiritual life==
Students have many opportunities to explore Christian beliefs and spiritual traditions.  Opportunities abound with chapel, the King Institute for Faith and Culture, Christian ministry groups, and service projects.  Each year, student teams also travel nationally and internationally for a range of mission and study abroad trips.

All traditional King students are required to obtain fourteen chapel, convocation, or community service credit hours per semester.

===The King University Institute for Faith and Culture===
Inaugurated in 2008 and dedicated to the work and example of [[Frederick Buechner]], the Buechner Institute at King University explored the relationship between faith and culture. In 2015, after the death of Dale Brown, founding director, and at the request of the Buechner Literary Assets, LLC,  the Buechner Institute became the King Institute for Faith and Culture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldcourier.com/news/king-s-buechner-institute-changes-name/article_dc371b46-4234-11e5-bfc7-17c68ccc3262.html?mode=jqm|title=King's Buechner Institute changes name|website=HeraldCourier.com|date=14 August 2015 |access-date=2016-06-22}}</ref> The King Institute for Faith and Culture is a continuation of conversations between faith, art, and culture started by the Buechner Institute.

The King Institute for Faith and Culture sponsors on-campus convocations (generally on Mondays at 9:15&nbsp;a.m.) as well as evening lectures either on campus or in community venues, that feature speakers from a variety of backgrounds to examine the ways in which faith informs art and public life and cultivate conversation about what faith has to do with books, politics, social discourse, music, visual arts, and more.<ref name="king.edu"/>

==Notable alumni==
*[[Christian H. Cooper]] {{ndash}} author, trader, and member of the [[Council on Foreign Relations]].
*[[Patricia Cornwell]] {{ndash}} author<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.bingohall.com/the-life-and-merits-of-one-of-our-favorite-authors-patricia-cornwell/|title=Patricia Cornwell – novelist, forensics expert, heart of gold|website=Blog.bingohall.com|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223155925/http://blog.bingohall.com/the-life-and-merits-of-one-of-our-favorite-authors-patricia-cornwell/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://salempress.com/store/samples/cs_mystery/cs_mystery_cornwell.htm |title=Salem Press |publisher=Salem Press |access-date=2011-03-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221205306/http://salempress.com/Store/samples/cs_mystery/cs_mystery_cornwell.htm |archive-date=2010-12-21 }}</ref>
*[[Cylk Cozart]] {{ndash}} actor<ref>{{cite web|title=Cylk Cozart - Biography|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0185475/bio|website=IMDb|access-date=20 August 2016}}</ref>
*[[Rodney D. Fogg]] {{ndash}} General<ref>{{cite web |title=Update: 13th SC(E) commander promoted to brigadier general |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/142636/update-13th-sce-commander-promoted-brigadier-general#.V1W0BeRpDN4 |website=DVIDS |access-date=8 February 2021}}</ref>
*[[Mike Helton]] {{ndash}} former president of [[NASCAR]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://naia.cstv.com/genrel/100305aae.html |title=Meet the N.A.I.A.'s - Mike Helton - NAIA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE |publisher=Naia.cstv.com |access-date=2011-03-16 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*[[Sarah Hildebrandt]] {{ndash}} Olympic wrestler<ref>[https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/sarah-hildebrandt Sarah Hildebrandt]. ''Team USA''. Retrieved August 12, 2024.</ref>
*[[William R. Laird, III]] {{ndash}} [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] from [[West Virginia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=L000025 |title=LAIRD, William Ramsey, III - Biographical Information |publisher=Bioguide.congress.gov |access-date=2011-03-16}}</ref>
*[[Jason Mumpower]] {{ndash}} [[Tennessee House of Representatives|Tennessee State Representative]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/h3.html |title=Representatives - TN General Assembly |publisher=Capitol.tn.gov |date=1984-02-21 |access-date=2011-03-16 |archive-date=2019-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415100927/http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/h3.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Comptroller of the Treasury of Tennessee]]
*[[Katherine Paterson]] {{ndash}} author<ref>{{cite web |author=Angled Vector |url=http://www.terabithia.com/about.html |title=Katherine Paterson - About the Author |publisher=Terabithia.com |access-date=2011-03-16 |archive-date=2015-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519064203/http://www.terabithia.com/about.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Patricia Cornwell in 2016.jpg|[[Patricia Cornwell]] 
File:Rodney D. Fogg.jpg|[[Rodney D. Fogg]]
File:Sarah Hildebrandt (cropped).JPG|[[Sarah Hildebrandt]]
File:Mike Helton Nascar President (2480176110).jpg|[[Mike Helton]] 
File:Katherine Paterson Politics and Prose 2011 crop.jpg|[[Katherine Paterson]] 
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links== 
{{ccat}}
* {{oweb}}
* [https://www.kingtornado.com/ Athletics website]

{{Tennessee private colleges and universities}}
{{Presbyterian Colleges}}
{{CCCU}}
{{Conference Carolinas navbox}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:King University| ]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1867]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]]
[[Category:Education in Sullivan County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Sullivan County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:1867 establishments in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA)]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in Tennessee]]