SC Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Former College of Charleston President Alexander Sanders

Flags atop the South Carolina State House fly at half-staff for Alexander M. Sanders, Jr.

The flags flying over the South Carolina State House were lowered to half-staff on Thursday, November 5, to honor the life and legacy of Alexander M. Sanders, Jr., a prominent figure in the state’s legal and educational history, Yahoo reported.

Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order directing that the flags remain at half-staff from sunrise until sunset. The gesture recognizes Sanders, who passed away on October 21 at the age of 88, for what the Governor described as an “extraordinary legacy and lifetime of service to the State of South Carolina.”

A career spanning the legislature and the judiciary

Sanders’ influence on South Carolina’s civic structure was multifaceted, spanning the legislative, judicial, and academic branches of government. Before his time in higher education, he served in both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate. His legal career also saw him serve as the state's first chief judge of the Court of Appeals, a role that helped shape the state's judicial system.

Gov. McMaster orders State House flags to be lowered to half-staff

Prior to his legislative service, Sanders practiced as a trial lawyer. His political reach extended beyond state lines in 2002, when he ran as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.

Transforming the College of Charleston

For many in the coastal community, Sanders is most closely associated with his leadership at the College of Charleston. He served as the institution’s 19th president from 1992 to 2001, a decade that fundamentally altered the school’s trajectory. During his tenure, the college saw significant growth in student enrollment and a marked expansion of its international and graduate programs.

Congaree national park congaree national park flooded boardwalk columbia south carolina usa

College officials have credited Sanders with the transition of the school into a nationally prominent university. Beyond his administrative duties, he maintained a direct connection to the campus community by teaching law classes, where he was noted for being “beloved by the student body.”

Conservation and community landmarks

The scope of Sanders' impact reached into the natural and recreational areas of the state. The Governor’s order highlights his specific role in preserving the land that eventually became Congaree National Park, a vital ecological asset for the region.

Sanders was a driving force behind the development of Columbia's Riverbanks Zoo. Through his leadership of the Riverbanks Society, he helped lay the groundwork for what has become a major regional attraction and a cornerstone of local community life.

South Carolina flags to fly at half-staff Thursday in memory of Alex Sanders

In announcing the flag order, McMaster described Sanders as a tireless public servant, principled leader, and devoted family man whose contributions left a lasting impact on South Carolina.

Frequently asked questions regarding the memorial honors

When will the flags at the State House return to full staff?

According to the executive order, the flags were directed to fly at half-staff specifically for Thursday, November 5, from sunrise until sunset.

SC Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Former College of Charleston President Alexander Sanders

What specific roles did Alexander M. Sanders, Jr. hold in South Carolina government?

Sanders served as the first chief judge of the Court of Appeals and held positions in both the South Carolina Senate and the House of Representatives.

How did Sanders influence the College of Charleston?

Serving as the 19th president from 1992 to 2001, he oversaw significant enrollment growth and the expansion of graduate and international programs, helping the institution achieve national prominence.