CofC Professor, Longtime PA Voice Dr. Bill Moore Dies
3/30/2009 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
By Robert Behre of the Charleston Post and Courier
Bill Moore, a veteran College of Charleston professor known for his political acumen and longtime support of Cougar basketball, died Wednesday after a sudden illness. He was 64.
Moore was known as a professor who not only knew his subject but also never failed to respond to students in his political science classes. He made it a point to return their papers by the next period, said The Citadel's Provost Sam Hines, who worked with Moore at the college for more than three decades.
"The hallmark of Bill's career has been his total dedication to excellence in teaching," Hines said. "He was mesmerizing, he was motivational and he was incredibly knowledgeable."
When former College of Charleston basketball coach John Kresse arrived at the college 30 years ago, he quickly sought Moore's help as a team adviser. Moore also served as the longtime public address announcer for the team's home games and president of the Southern Conference.
"Bill's work wasn't a job. It was a calling, a passion for working and teaching and guiding students," Kresse said.
Kresse would take prospective recruits and their parents to meet with Moore first. "He would talk about how No. 1, you'll hopefully come here to earn a degree first and get a solid education and then to play ball. ... It was always academics and pursuing knowledge and then playing ball, in that order."
Jack Bass, a professor emeritus at the college, taught, played tennis and regularly talked politics with Moore, and said his colleague was always there for his students, even after they graduated.
"He was very approachable," Bass said. "He had a great sense of humor, and he had a first-rate mind."
Moore co-authored the book "South Carolina Politics and Government" and also wrote "Political Extremism in the United States." His professional accolades included a Distinguished Teaching Award in 1981, a Distinguished Service Award in 2000, a Distinguished Advisor Award in 2001 and a Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Award in 2001.
He also served as Speaker of the Faculty and chair of the Political Science Department.
"Professor Moore's vast knowledge of Southern and American politics, sharp insights and historical references made him the go-to source for colleagues, researchers and reporters across the state and region," said College of Charleston President George Benson. "He will be sorely missed."
The family will receive friends at J. Henry Stuhr's downtown chapel from 4-7 p.m. Friday.
