Robert S. Small's many contributions

The Small family has a long history of association with and support of the College of Charleston and with the passing of Robert Scott Small Sr., the College of Charleston has lost an alumnus who was truly "one of us."

Mr. Small, class of 1936, was born and reared in Charleston. He and his wife Sallie moved to the Upstate a few years after his graduation. Along with some other prominent businessmen in the area, he and a business associate founded Haynsworth Mill, a textile mill which was later bought by Woodside Mills.

Woodside Mills was subsequently bought by Dan River Corp. and Mr. Small served as its president and CEO for 27 years. His accomplishments in his chosen profession are legendary, and his service to his community and the state and the honors he received from his industry, his community and state are plentiful and too numerous to mention. It is, however, his devotion to his alma mater for which we at the College will most remember him.

Mr. Small served on the College of Charleston board of trustees from 1988 to 1994, and he was trustee emeritus until his recent passing. Additionally, he served the college as a member of our foundation board of directors.

His service was recognized in 1970 when the College awarded him an honorary doctor of letters. He later received the alumni award of honor from the College of Charleston Alumni Association. In 2004, Mr. Small was awarded the highest honor the College has to offer, the founder's medal award. In addition to his leadership and service to the college, Mr. Small provided significant financial support. His lead gift allowed the college to move forward with the construction of what is now known as the Robert Scott Small Library. He and his siblings also established the Louise Johnson Small Scholarship. Mr. Small passed on his devotion to the college to his son Robert Scott "Tex" Small Jr., who served on the board of trustees for 12 years and additionally served as its chairman.

Mr. Small served the College of Charleston during his lifetime, providing wisdom and leadership along with demonstrating a strength of character. The College of Charleston family is indeed proud to call him "one of us."

Robert W. Marlowe

Chairman

College of Charleston

Board of Trustees

10 Fernandina St.

Mount Pleasant