Charles G. Bass, the Dr. and Mrs. Larry Hearn McCalla Professor of Chemistry, is retiring this spring after 34 years at Wofford. Bass, more commonly known as “SeaBass” is loved by students and faculty for his Southern Mississippi humor, kindness and dedication to all of his students’ success.
Organic chemistry is a daunting subject that often induces panic in students, but Bass has been providing an unlikely joy to the prerequisite course for Wofford pre-medical, pre-dental and other students since 1988.
“When I first met Dr. Bass, I knew his class would be different from any others I had taken,” said Jack Stokes ’23, a pre-medical student. “His southern Mississippi accent and sense of humor caught and kept your attention whether you were interested in organic chemistry or not.”
Whether students are stuck in lab for hours on end, working on seemingly impossible problems or walking into an early morning class, Bass has never failed to crack a joke and individually ensure that all students confidently understand the material.
“He should be a stand-up comedian; he never fails to make me laugh,” Megan Santos ’23 said.
“Students, period, that’s it,” Bass said, regarding what he loves the most about Wofford.
“Wofford students are really bright and work super hard, I have a hard time keeping up with them,” Bass said. “I get pretty close to my students, probably closer than they would like, but they are friends and it is really hard to let go at graduation.”
Bass’s impact will be continued to be felt throughout the chemistry department for many years to come. Wofford Professors of Chemistry Heidi Bostic ‘07 and Robert Harris ‘09 were both former students of Bass, and they will surely bring with them a hint of Bass to future students.
Additionally, Bass was an avid supporter of the construction of Wofford’s state-of-the-art organic laboratory. Wofford students will be able to enjoy this facility for many years thanks to Bass’s persistent efforts.
In 2012, Bass was recognized by The Princeton Review and was named one of “The Best 300 Professors.” This national honor goes to show that Bass is a hard-working and well-respected educator.
Confidence is at the center of what Bass works to instill into his students. His approachability has allowed students to feel comfortable enough to ask him questions and work through their countless questions together.
“Dr. Bass has given me confidence that I can make it to medical school, and that whatever path I take to get there, there is joy to be found in little things along the way,” Stokes said.
Upon retirement, Bass is excited to travel to Vancouver, Montana and Wyoming. After traveling, he plans on staying in Spartanburg in a house he recently purchased. The Wofford community will surely be very excited to see him around town in the years to come.
Wofford will greatly miss Bass’s humor, kindness and dedication.
“I wish I was taking organic chemistry with Dr. Bass again,” Santos said. “Even though there have been some tears, struggles and tough grades, he has made it just that much more enjoyable.”
