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Charles W. Anderson, Ph.D
1934 - 2013
Pensacola has lost a fine scholar, profound thinker and wonderful teacher, as we note the passing on April 10th, of Dr. Charles W. Anderson.
Charles and Jean, his wife of nearly 58 years, first spent winters here on the sound side of the Beach and then moved permanently from Madison, WI., in 2002. They designed their home to provide large views of the water and several good spots for reading. They loved canoeing and bike riding and quiet outdoor activity. Two years ago they moved to Azalea Trace, with their beloved cats.
He took up active volunteering with the University of West Florida and became a charter member of its then-new Leisure Learning Society, for which he taught many classes and served on the curriculum committee during its formative years. His admirers for his leadership and teaching skills are legion.
Charles received his B.A. Degree from Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA., in 1955, his M.A. from the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD., in 1957, and his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, in 1960. By 1967 he had become full Professor there and built a world-wide reputation as a Political Scientist, especially for his work in political economy. He became a leading authority on the political economies of Mexico, Latin American countries and Spain. In 1983 he was appointed to the endowed Hawkins chair of Political Science at the University.
Dr. Anderson published extensively in political science, including five books, and later focused on political philosophy and liberal education, including the books: Pragmatic Liberalism; Prescribing the Life of the Mind; and A Deeper Freedom. His awards and honors are extensive, as is his list of scholarly publications and invited lectures delivered around the world. In 1988 he received an honorary Doctorate from his and Jean's alma-mater, Grinnell College.
But Charles was versatile, and helped the University develop a wide-ranging Integrated Liberal Studies program, which he chaired for several years. His lectures on the political development of Western Civilization are now on line at the U of W's alumni web site and remain engaging and essential.
Charlie leaves behind a legacy of great teaching and profound thought, and he is missed by a multitude of friends and colleagues, and former undergraduate and graduate students and teaching assistants, and his much loved wife, Jean. Testimonials have poured in, remarking on his scholarship and his humanity. Here are two:
A LLS student here said of him: "He was so good at communicating his vast knowledge in such an understandable way. (I think the Athenian Agora in the Golden Age may have been like this.) More than that, he was so humble and kind. He made it seem that it was his privilege to teach us and also to learn from us. I'll always remember his comment on honesty. He said that there were very few circumstances where he would not tell the truth. One was that if it would do harm to that person. What a pragmatic balance of idealism and kindness that was! He will be missed!"
A colleague from his Wisconsin days had this to say: "For me, my interaction with Charlie in discussions, writing, and teaching together were seminal in my own intellectual growth and our years together at Wisconsin were my high point there. Beyond the academic, Charlie was a very caring, thoughtful, and supportive individual who was always prepared to give of himself to others. He was a wonderful friend and colleague and will be greatly missed."
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I was a student of Professor Anderson's at Madison from 1989 - 1991 and I will never forget him. He was the only professor whose lectures I tape recorded so I could listen to them again! And I could really focus, as he wanted us to, in class and take notes later. I learned so much from him. His kindness, the time he took with students and his passion for his craft were always apparent. I want to extend my sincere sympathies to his family and to his wife Jean. We may never have met, but Charles has touched so many lives, and influenced so many of us to lead lives of inquiry, study and excitement. He lead my example. I was lucky for having known him.
Josh Flanders
February 22, 2014
Jean,
I send a short message of condolence in at the end of October, but forgot to sign it. It was I, Jean, who sent it, thinking of that first joint seminar Charlie and I gave at Wisconsin, on Mexico, and of the book that came of it--my second book, and the first published in the US. Both of these ventures were such a joy, thanks to Charlie's collaboration, and he enriched my stay in Madison more than I could ever say. I have thought of him often down through the years, grateful that we were able to work together so long ago.
BIll Glade
November 10, 2013
I just learned of Dr. Anderson's passing today. I'd like to express my condolences to his wife Jean. I didn't personally know Dr. Anderson and I've never set foot on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, but Dr. Anderson's ILS lectures continue to enhance the life of my mind. His intellect, humanity, humor, and perspective are a joy to hear. Since I can't thank him, I'll thank you Mrs. Anderson (Jean). Thank you! He will be missed.
Earl McDonald
November 9, 2013
Very belatedly, as I only learned yesterday of Charlie's passing, I want to send my deepest sympathy to Jean, whose husband remained an inspiration long after I left Wisconsin. What a great way, thanks to Charlie, to begin a career in Latin American Studies. He may have left to pursue broader interests, but his contribution there was lasting.
October 30, 2013
I just Googled Dr. Anderson to find out more about him. My sympathies to his family and friends. However, his legacy lives on. I'm a "new student" of Dr. Anderson's as I am "taking" his course in Political, Economic and Social Thought on iTunes U. It's absolutely first rate. I'm in a program at the University of London taking a course in Political Economy and his lectures are a perfect complement. His talks are among the best I've ever heard. He was a first rate scholar and a great teacher. RIP.
Michael Young
October 23, 2013
Charles was an enormous influence on my academic and professional life. He offered great courses, was always accessible--a great scholar, fine teacher and, most important, a great human being.
Steven Meyer
August 26, 2013
In 1965 I was a freshman in Prof. Anderson's Introduction to Political Science: Poli Sci 103. From Prof. Anderson's first lecture, I was hooked on Political Science, picked it as my major, and taught high school Social Studies for 42 years. I still have my handwritten notes and blue book exams from Poli Sci 103: priceless personal treasures!
Pamela Brown
August 8, 2013
Charles W. Anderson was a fine man and a brilliant scholar and teacher. He directed my doctoral dissertation, as he did with dozens of other students. In the late 1960s & early 1970s, Anderson was the best Latin Americanist in the United States and this was only one of his fields of interest. He would have been more famous if he had accepted the offer of tenure at Yale, but he was a man of Wisconsin and wanted to stay here. Charlie's influence is everywhere today, felt but not seen.
Vaya con Dios!
Richard Hartwig
Richard Hartwig
August 6, 2013
At Madison in the mid 60s Charlie was a gifted lecturer in huge undergrad classes and a wise and generous sherpa to his grad students. He touched our lives in good ways.
John Bailey
August 6, 2013
Charlie was a pioneer and one of the first scholars working on Latin America whom I truly respected and wished to emulate. He was also very generous toward a very beginning scholar when I first approached him in the 1960s.
Philippe Schmitter
April 23, 2013
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