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 25 acres (100,000 m2) of land in Bristol that had been donated by Reverend James King, in whose honor it is named.

[10] The King University campus is located on 135 acres (55 ha) approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from downtown Bristol, Tennessee.

During the trip, students visit offices of legislators, national museums, international organizations, art galleries and various public venues.

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.

Typical sports include: indoor soccer, flag football, volleyball, dodgeball, bowling, and ultimate frisbee.

The university is a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the Conference Carolinas (CC) since the 2011–12 academic year.

[33][34] 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.

[36] 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".

Twister is a fearless lion that represents the determination and courage reflected in King's adventure as an NCAA Division II institution.

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.