Former College of Charleston President Alexander Sanders Dies

Alexander M. Sanders Jr., who led the institution from 1992 to 2001, has passed away at the age of 88.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color illustration featuring a white classical column against a navy blue background, evoking institutional legacy and history. — Alexander M. Sanders Jr., former chief judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals and president of the College of Charleston, has died at 88. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Alexander M. Sanders Jr., the 19th president of the College of Charleston, died at age 88. His career spanned significant roles in South Carolina education, law, and politics.

Why it matters

Sanders held a multifaceted public life, serving as both an educator and a prominent political figure in South Carolina. His leadership at the College of Charleston shaped the institution through a decade of growth.

Alexander M. Sanders Jr. served as president of the College of Charleston for nine years and remained involved with the institution until teaching his final class in the fall of 2020.

The players

Alexander M. Sanders Jr.

He was a distinguished South Carolina educator, judge, and politician who served as the 19th president of the College of Charleston.

College of Charleston

This public university located in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States.

The details

Beyond his tenure at the College of Charleston, where he was named president emeritus in 2001, Sanders served as a state senator and as chief judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals. He also mounted a campaign as a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate in 2002.

Alexander M. Sanders Jr. served as a South Carolina state senator from 1977 to 1983.
He led the College of Charleston as its president from 1992 through 2001.
Sanders was appointed as president emeritus of the college in 2001.
He was a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate in 2002.
Sanders taught his final class at the College of Charleston in the fall of 2020.

Market Landscape

The transition from his presidency to his emeritus status reflects the long-term institutional stability sought by public universities in the South. His departure marks the end of an era defined by a unique blend of judicial and academic administration in the region.

Local residents and members of the college community may see commemorative events or tributes scheduled on campus in the coming weeks. His passing marks the loss of a prominent public servant who influenced both state law and local higher education policies.

The takeaway

Sanders leaves behind a legacy of public service that bridged the gap between the courtroom and the classroom. His transition from state senator to university president serves as a notable example of multi-career public leadership.