J. Fred Watts
Physics & Astronomy

1997 Distinguished Service Award
2000 Distinguished Teaching Award

J. Fred Watts received his B.A in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Richmond, his M.A. in Physics from Wake Forest University, and his Ph.D. in Physics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. He joined the College of Charleston in 1970, and served for 36 years as a Professor of Physics. During his time at the College he was the recipient of the Mebane Distinguished Teaching Chair in Chemistry and Physics. He was the founder of the Low Country Physics Alliance, and was also directly responsible for the College’s participation in NASA’s JOVE project, as well as the success of the Woodrow Wilson program of workshops for pre-college teachers at the College. His research interests include optical interferometry and holography. In his honor, friends and colleagues plan to endow a physics scholarship in his name.