1997
Dr. Harry M. Lightsey, Jr., Honorary (College President)
Dr. Harry M. Lightsey has come to be known as a savior to the College of Charleston. His six-year tenure as President resulted in innumerable successes. He put the College back on sound financial footing, drastically increased the endowment and annual giving, presided over 80 percent increase in the student body, and positioned the College to attain university status. Dr. Lightsey lifted the entire athletic program to new heights by making the move from the NAIA to NCAA Division I status. While some were skeptical of the small regional school entering the national ranks, he saw the wisdom in getting the school's name out across the state, the South, and eventually the nation. National name recognition was an indispensable gift the College wanted to grow. The skeptics were soon quieted when the basketball team met Dr. Lightsey's challenge and fared more than well in Division I.
