Former College of Charleston President Alexander M. Sanders Jr. Dies at 88

Alexander M. Sanders Jr., the 19th president of the College of Charleston whose tenure transformed the institution from a small local school into a nationally recognized university, has died at age 88, College officials announced Wednesday. Prompting tributes from current campus leaders and colleagues who highlighted his sweeping impact on enrollment, international programs, and campus infrastructure during his leadership from 1992 to 2001.

Enrollment Increases as Sanders Expands International Programs

During Sanders’ presidency, total enrollment at the College of Charleston increased by 16%, while the number of international students surged by 99%, according to university figures. Sanders championed the expansion of the Graduate School and established new study abroad programs, laying the groundwork for a global learning culture that continues today, Melissa Ochal, director of the College’s Center for International Education, told Fox Carolina. Nearly 39% of current College of Charleston students now participate in study abroad programs, ranking the institution high nationally for short-term program participation, as noted by today.charleston.edu.

Current College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu credited Sanders with reshaping the campus trajectory. Judge Sanders transformed what was once a small school into a university with national reach and universal appeal, Hsu said in a statement published by Fox Carolina. His administration coincided with the rise of the men’s basketball program under Hall of Fame coach John Kresse, whose Cougars made four NCAA Tournament appearances in the 1990s and brought widespread athletic attention to the school.

Expanding Campus Infrastructure and Academic Reach

Sanders oversaw major physical expansion projects that permanently altered the Charleston campus. Under his leadership, the university acquired the property where Addlestone Library now stands, developed the Patriots Point Athletics Complex, and established the Jewish Studies Center, according to Fox Carolina and today.charleston.edu. He also spearheaded the institution’s first major capital campaign to strengthen academic and global programs.

Beyond his administrative duties, Sanders maintained a deep, personal connection to students. Named president emeritus in 2001, he continued teaching law at the College until his final course in the fall of 2020. Patti Goff, assistant to the associate dean of the School of Business, recalled his inclusive approach. His ability to make everyone feel appreciated and included, no matter where they stood in life, was unmatched, Goff told Fox Carolina. Sanders frequently welcomed students into the President’s House, keeping doors open late into the evening.

Sanders Serves as Judge and State Senator

Before entering higher education, Sanders established a career as a trial lawyer, a South Carolina state senator serving from 1977 to 1983, and later as chief judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, as reported by abcnews4.com. In 2002, he was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, losing his bid to Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. That same year, he co-founded the Charleston School of Law.

Sanders’ wife, Zoe D. Sanders, who served as the College’s first lady and authored the hospitality cookbook Entertaining at the College of Charleston—with proceeds supporting student scholarships—died earlier this year. Sanders is survived by his daughter, Zoe.