South College

……growing in the right direction

……where dreams find direction

Take a few moments to get to know South College. The direction for your dreams is waiting.

About South College

South College, formerly Knoxville Business College, has been a part of the fabric of downtown Knoxville since 1882 when Jacob T. Johnson started a branch of Nashville Business College in Knoxville, Tennessee and later renamed it Knoxville Business College. In 1900, KBC occupied part of the public library building on the corner of Gay and Vine where it boasted of a commercial department equipped with offices for the actual transaction of business in mercantile and banking lines. In 1910, KBC occupied the Cherokee Building on the corner of Church and Prince across from what is now known as Market Square. In the 1940's, KBC moved to 209 West Church - commonly referred to as the Keyhole Building - where it remained until the 1980's when it moved to North Fifth Avenue. In 2005, the institution relocated its main campus to a larger, newly renovated facility which is located on Hayfield Road. Then in 2006, the Hayfield Road campus was changed to a Learning Site as the institution completed its new main campus facility on Lonas Road.

Throughout its history South College has endeavored to meet the demands of the East Tennessee business community. Under the direction of the current administration, (1989- present), the college has evolutionized its curriculum and facilities. The college no longer limits its course offerings to accounting, business, and computer related fields but also offers diversified programs in fields such as paralegal and legal studies, criminal justice, medical assisting, physical therapist assistant, nursing, radiography, nuclear medicine, pharmaceutical science, and elementary education. Programs are offered at varying degree levels.

South College is proud of its heritage rooted in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and accepts the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Mission/Purpose

South College is a private, co-educational, non-sectarian academic institution that provides quality undergraduate and graduate educational programs through various methods in innovative learning environments. Programs offered address local, regional, and national employment needs and support current workplace trends. Accordingly, the institution offers diverse and well-balanced programs that encourage the development of independent learning and thinking.

South College seeks to develop the academic talents of students and inspire the desire for life-long learning through a focus on excellence in teaching. Programs of study are designed to broaden students’ exposure to diverse perspectives, enhance oral and written communication skills, and augment critical thinking skills.

In an effort to enhance each student’s academic experience, the institution offers a variety of support services. Acknowledging that each student is unique, the institution responds to individual needs of its students through personalized assistance. These support services cultivate a sense of community among diverse students and offer opportunities for career networking.

The institution seeks to ensure that the educational experience at South College culminates in the development of educated, responsible graduates with knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for success in meeting their personal and professional goals and the demands of the employment market.

The South College administration, faculty, and staff are dedicated to the achievement of the institution’s mission. The institution’s core values of responsibility and integrity promote excellence and growth and provide a foundation that inspires ongoing and long-term planning and decision-making at the departmental, school, and institutional levels.

South College is authorized for operation as a postsecondary institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

South College is an equal opportunity college open to any qualified individual without regard to race, religion, sex, age, color, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Pursuant to all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations, South College does not discriminate against any of the protected categories of individuals in the administration of policies, programs, or activities. This non-discriminatory policy includes admission policies, loan programs, employment practices, and all other college-administered programs.