College of Charleston President Emeritus Alex Sanders passes away at age 88
October 22, 2026
University president, politician, jurist and professor Alex Sanders has died. He was 88 years old.
Sanders served as president of the College of Charleston from 1992 to 2001. He was the university’s 19th president.
Sanders presidedover the College’s significant growthin undergraduate enrollmentin the 1990sand the expansion of its graduate school. He also capitalized on the national spotlight generated by Hall of Fame coach John Kresse, who transformed the Cougars into a mid-major basketball powerhouse with four NCAA Tournament appearances in the 90s.
“Judge Sanders transformed what was once a small school into a university with national reach and universal appeal,” said College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu. “His contributions made a profound impact on the College’s trajectory, helping lead us to where we are today: a university of national prominence, supported by robust academic programs and alumni making positive contributions on a global scale.”
During and after his tenure as president, Sanders, a former South Carolina state legislator and retired chief judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, taught law classes at the College. He taught his final course at the College in fall 2020.
His student-first philosophy infiltrated his teaching and his administrative duties, whether that was meeting with students at the drop of a hat or letting them hang out in the President’s House, as he recounted for a story published in The College Today.
“If a student showed up and I had a meeting with a legislator or a faculty member, the student got to go first,” he recalled. “We kept the house open… There were always students in the kitchen. When I got ready to go to bed, I had to run them out!”
Those who worked closely with Sanders remember his enthusiasm and passion for working with students. “He loved everything about the College of Charleston and embraced it all – the people and the place,” says Patti Goff, who worked closely with Sanders during his time as chief judge in Columbia, and then as his administrative assistant at the College. “His ability to make everyone feel appreciated and included, no matter where they stood in life, was unmatched,” she added.
Under Sanders’ leadership, the College increased its total enrollment by 16 percent and its number of international students by 99 percent.
In addition to bringing the world’s students to Charleston, Sanders supported the creation of multiple study abroad programs. Today, nearly 39% of students at the College study abroad, ranking the college high nationally for short-term program participation.
“By championing international student enrollment and supporting the creation of study abroad programs, Judge Sanders helped lay the foundation for a culture of global learning that continues to thrive today, says Melissa Ochal, director of the Center for International Education at the College. “The opportunities our students enjoy around the world are, in many ways, a reflection of his vision and commitment to expanding horizons,” she added.
Sanders was instrumental in the College’s acquisition of the property where Addlestone Library now sits, the development of the Patriots Point Athletics Complex and the Jewish Studies Center at the College. He also helped kick off the College’s first capital campaign, which helped to grow programs in Charleston and around the world.
Outside of his leadership role at the College of Charleston, Sanders practiced as a trial lawyer before entering politics. He served as a State Senator from 1977 to 1983. He was the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate in 2002, ultimately losing to Senator Lindsey Graham. He also co-founded the Charleston School of Law in 2002.
Sanders’ wife, Zoe D. Sanders, passed away earlier this year. She is remembered as a gracious host during her time as first lady of the College. Sales from Entertaining at the College of Charleston cookbook, by his wife Zoe, continue to help fund scholarships.
He is survived by his daughter, Zoe
About College of Charleston
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston’s mission is to provide students with a world-class education in the arts and sciences, business and technology, engineering and health sciences. Students have more than 150 majors and minors from which to choose — and they often choose to combine several—and complement their academic courses with overseas study, undergraduate research and internships for a truly customized education.
Nearly 12,000 students choose the college for its unique urban, mid-sized university feel. The College, home to undergraduates from across the country and around the globe, provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged and guided by a committed and caring faculty of distinguished teacher-scholars. The city of Charleston serves as a living and learning laboratory for student experiences and opportunities for career development. The university bridges the old with the new in a setting that is truly extraordinary — where historic character and forward-looking innovation come together to shape a distinctive and inspiring environment for learning. A College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparation for life, work, and service to our society.
