Former College of Charleston president Alex Sanders dies at 87

Alex Sanders, the 19th president of the College of Charleston, died recently at age 87 or 88, according to reports. The university announced his passing, with ABC News 4 WCIV reporting he was 88, while the Post and Courier reported he was 87. Sanders served as president from 1992 to 2001, a period marked by significant growth in undergraduate enrollment and graduate programs at the college.

During his tenure, Sanders helped transform the College of Charleston into an institution with national recognition and expanded academic offerings, said the university president, as reported by WCIV. Sanders was named president emeritus in 2001 and last taught at the college in fall 2020.

Beyond his role at the college, Sanders had a notable career in public service. He was a South Carolina state senator from 1977 to 1983 and served as chief judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, according to ABC News 4 WCIV. He also ran as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2002 but was defeated by Senator Lindsey Graham.

Sanders was also involved in legal education as chairman of the board for the Charleston School of Law, noted in coverage by the Post and Courier. He was married to Zoe D. Sanders, who died earlier in 2026, according to ABC News 4 WCIV, and is survived by his daughter.

The university and local media have recognized Sanders' contributions to education and law in Charleston and South Carolina.