William “Bill” M. Connor, ’90
Education
BA History, The Citadel, 1990; Juris Doctor, University of South Carolina; Master’s in Strategic Studies (Distinguished Graduate) US Army War College
Citadel Activities
Listing in “Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities” for class of 1990, Cadre Corporal, Platoon Sergeant, Second Battalion Executive Officer, Boxing Team Captain, earned highly competitive slot to Ranger School as cadet, Airborne School as cadet, Dean’s List for multiple semesters, Cordell Airborne Ranger Club.
Alumni Involvement
Life Member, The Citadel Alumni Association (CAA), Elected member of Board of Visitors, Citadel Presidential Selection Committee, Member, Charleston Citadel Club and many previous clubs, Member of the CAA Executive Committee, Parent of Class of 2023 Citadel Cadet and member of various parent groups, Inducted into Leaders in Philanthropy (Legacy Society) of The Citadel Foundation. Former recruiter for The Citadel recruiting new cadets from throughout the Southeast.
Occupation
Retired Army Colonel and Lawyer and owner of “Bill Connor Law Firm”. Chairman of STARRS Board of Advisors, Cable news contributor (National Security topics).
Military Service
Retired Infantry Colonel (30+ years). Positions: Infantry platoon ldr and executive officer (Ft. Stewart and Kuwait), IN S4, Sinai Egypt, Light Infantry Company Commander (Hawaii), Ranger Company Commander (Ranger Training Brigade), Aide de Camp to CG, Ft. Benning, Infantry Captains Career Course SGI, Senior US Military advisor to Afghan forces, Helmand Province, Senior Instructor for Command and General Staff Officers Course in South Carolina, Senior DSCA representative to SC, USARNORTH.
Memberships & Offices Held
Former Governor’s SC Floodwater Commission and Chairman of the National Security Task Force; Former Chairman of the Republican Party (SC 6th Congressional District); Former Chairman of the Board of Orangeburg Christian Academy; GOP Runoff Candidate for SC Lt. Governor; Past President, Sons of The American Revolution; Board Member of South Carolina Youth Challenge; State Board Member of South Carolina Child Evangelism Fellowship; Association of the US Army, VFW, American Legion. Member, The Citadel Board of Visitors. Member of CAA Executive Committee. Chairman of Board of Advisors (STARRS). Search Committee for The Citadel President. Chairman of the BOV legal committee. Vice-Chairman SVG.
Awards & Honors – Military
Master Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Badge (over 60 jumps), Air Assault Badge, Select medals: Bronze Star Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Multinational Forces and Observers Medal (Sinai), Overseas Service, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Order of St. Maurice, chosen for induction into South Carolina Veterans Hall of Fame (Induction June 6, 2026).
Awards & Honors – Civilian
SC Governor presented me the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest honor. First living Citadel Grad inducted into the South Carolina Veteran’s Hall of Fame (June 6, 2026). Received AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating (Highest rating for ethics and competency for Attorneys in America); Community of Character Citizenship Award (Orangeburg); Chosen as top company grade officer in US Army Pacific 1997 (McArthur Leadership Award Nominee). Author of Book “Articles From War”. Author of numerous articles in military, state, national, and international media publications.
Personal
I met my wife, Susan, as a cadet and we were married at Summerall Chapel after graduation. She went through the Ring with me (class of 1990) and our son, Will (class of 2023 and in Army). We also have two daughters, Brenna and Peyton, and two grandsons. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
Candidates Statement
The Citadel was the most formative experience in my life beyond my Christian faith. It has taken me through life challenges: Ranger school, combat, and starting/running a new business. I am proud my son attended and has followed me in the Army. As I have done while on the board, I will continue to prioritize the protection of The Citadel culture, tradition and heritage. When I campaigned for the Board of Visitors in 2020, I promised I would restore company culture. I fulfilled that promise by letting it be known I would bring a resolution to the Board to end the “shuffle”. The administration ended the shuffle after my communication. I also promised to put “Citizen Soldier” back in our mission statement as a top means of protecting our identity. After years of working this issue, the Board overwhelming passed my resolution to put “Citizen Soldier” in our mission statement. I am running for reelection because have more work to do in restoring and protecting our heritage and identity. www.connor4bov.com