Theodore Stern

Theodore Stern became the 16th president of the College of Charleston in 1968. When he arrived, there were 432 students enrolled and 28 faculty members and only 8 of them had doctorate degrees. At that time, the College was facing a financial crisis. With the help of the South Carolina government, he was able to ensure the future of the college. After stepping down in 1978, Ted Stern had grown the enrollment to 5,300 students. He lead the initiative for the construction of the Robert Small library. In 1968 Dr. Stern admitted the first African American student to the College of Charleston. During his interview for President, he was asked what he would do if an African American applied to the college. He responded that he would review the application the same as any other. In 1970 he personally housed the first foreign students. After stepping down Dr. Stern remained active in the development of the College of Charleston. The student union is named in his honor. He is responsible for ensuring that the area behind the Addlestone Library would be open green-space as opposed to a parking lot. At 95, Dr. Stern still has an office on campus.