Service Above Self
“I was one of the department’s first hires,” says Kaiser. “Bill Bischoff, the newly appointed chair, took me under his wing and became my mentor. He inspired me to meet others where they are and support in any way I can.”
In addition to having created new courses, Kaiser shows another form of support through the Charles Kaiser Award for Outstanding Psychology Students. Established in 2018, the award has gone to seven senior psychology students who have uplifted the community.
Katie Cole, a psychology major and neuroscience and chemistry double minor in the Honors College, is the 2025 recipient. She used the award to fund her Costa Rica spring break trip to study the sociology and psychology behind the country.
“I always wondered if I would get to travel given my demanding coursework and extracurriculars, but amazingly this opportunity crossed my path,” says Cole, “and, thanks to the Kaiser Award, I was able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip.”
Cole, who wants to become a neurologist and research Parkinson’s disease, was struck by how many people with Parkinson’s have a long wait to see a neurologist. She chose her field to help ensure timely care for Parkinson’s patients, and her community involvement as a camp counselor for students with severe neurological disabilities solidified her path.
Cole’s dedication to improving the community is exactly why Kaiser created the award.
Kaiser’s motto is “service above self,” which comes from his decade with the Charleston Rotary Club.
“As a Rotarian, Charles volunteered his expertise and time to serve the community, and as one of the founding members of the Retired Faculty and Staff Council, he supported the connections among retired colleagues,” says Sue Sommer-Kresse, former dean of admissions, among numerous other roles at the College. “Through action, he demonstrates loyalty to the College, his students, the community and to his colleagues and friends.”
Kaiser credits where he is in life to people who put others before themselves: “It’s my calling to support others with what I have. Helping others is the key to making the world a better place, which is why philanthropy is so important.”
Kaiser has also earned great respect from the Department of Psychology.
“Charles is a positive force whose passion for psychological science, his students and his colleagues is both obvious and contagious,” says Cindi May, professor of psychology.
Adds Garrett Milliken, chair of psychology: “As a leader and the longest-serving member of the psychology department, Charles has fostered a genuine sense of collegiality and care that defines the spirit of cooperation we share today. He also played a crucial role in psychology becoming the College’s most popular major.”
Kaiser’s commitment to bettering the community and nurturing the growth of others is a legacy that will live on for years to come. His influence continues to shape of the College.
“On a personal level, Charles is kind, generous, sincere and deeply caring – qualities we should all aspire to emulate,” says Milliken. “We are truly grateful for him.”