Flags atop the South Carolina State House flew at half-staff this past Thursday, November 5, marking a formal state-wide tribute to Alexander M. Sanders, Jr. The former College of Charleston president, whose career spanned the judiciary, the state legislature, and environmental preservation, passed away on October 21 at the age of 88. His death prompted an executive order from Governor Henry McMaster, which directed that flags be lowered from sunrise to sunset to honor a man whose influence touched both the halls of government and the state’s natural forests and wetlands.
A Legacy of Public Service
The executive order signed by Governor McMaster highlights a career defined by its breadth. Sanders served as the first chief judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, a position that placed him at the center of the state’s judicial evolution. Before his time on the bench, he was a member of both the South Carolina Senate and the House of Representatives, and he eventually ran as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2002. The governor’s directive formally recognized these contributions as an “extraordinary legacy and lifetime of service to the State of South Carolina.”
Beyond his legislative and judicial work, Sanders was a central figure in the development of South Carolina's public institutions. He is credited with helping lay the groundwork for the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia through his leadership of the Riverbanks Society. His efforts were also instrumental in the preservation of the land that would eventually be designated as Congaree National Park.
Transforming the College of Charleston
Perhaps his most visible impact on the state’s intellectual infrastructure occurred during his tenure as the 19th president of the College of Charleston. Serving from 1992 to 2001, Sanders oversaw a period of significant enrollment growth and the expansion of graduate and international programs. College officials previously credited him with helping transform the institution into a nationally prominent university.
Sanders did not merely oversee these changes from an administrative office; he remained active in the classroom, teaching law courses and was “beloved by the student body.” In the executive order, Governor McMaster described Sanders as a tireless public servant, “principled leader,” and “devoted family man,” reflecting on the personal and professional weight of a career that spanned decades of South Carolina’s history.
Questions Regarding State Memorialization
As the state reflects on Alexander M. Sanders, Jr.’s legacy, his tenure at the College of Charleston and his work in land conservation remain points of focus regarding his contributions to South Carolina.
