Commencement exercises re-scheduled for Aug. 1

BRISTOL, Tenn., May 26,2020 — After transitioning to online learning formats during the spring and summer semesters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, King University is moving ahead with plans to return to in-person classes for fall 2020.

“Throughout this unprecedented situation, we have been listening to the counsel of many advisors to help guide us in our decision-making process,” said Alexander Whitaker, president of King. “With care and planning, we believe this is the right step for us to take, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our campuses.”

Rhonda Morgan, DNP, nursing professor at King and epidemiology advisor for the University, noted that King has reacted quickly to the large-scale changes that have faced society over the past several months, and will continue to make informed, real-time decisions in the best interest of students, faculty, staff, and the King community.

“As we work to minimize risk, it is important for everyone to be mindful of guidance and remain flexible as we make data-based decisions that foster wellness,” Morgan said. “The health and well-being of the members of our community is at the forefront of our minds and we continue to monitor the evolving information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Morgan noted that administration officials are constantly reviewing guidance and directives from such organizations as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State of Tennessee, and county health departments, among others, and that King’s educational environment and practices will be adjusted as needed.

King has also rescheduled its commencement exercises for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at 10 a.m. on the Oval at the main campus in Bristol. The event, which typically takes place in early spring and draws thousands of visitors to campus, had been previously postponed because of the outbreak.

For more information on the University’s coronavirus response and plans, visit King’s regularly updated COVID-19 information page.