Lt. General Claudius E. Watts III, USAF, Ret (1989-1996)
General Watts was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina on September 22, 1936. He graduated from The Citadel in 1958 with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and was commissioned in the US Air Force. Following graduation, he attended the London School of Economics and Political Science as a Fulbright Scholar.
General Watts’ Air Force career encompassed thirty-one years. He served in numerous flying positions, amassing more than 7,000 flying hours and commanded various units up to wing level. He also held numerous and increasingly responsible staff positions, culminating as Comptroller of the United States Air Force, from which he retired September 1, 1989.
General Watts was named the 17th President of The Citadel on June 23, 1989 and served in this position until his retirement on August 31, 1996.
