Carol K. Bleser, former Colgate prof, dies

Carol K. Bleser, of Bellport, NY, died on August 20, 2013.

The daughter of Charles and Florence Kaufold, she was born in New York City, on December 30, 1933, where she grew up. A 1960 graduate of Converse College, she later received the college Career Achievement Award as well as an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities. In 1966, she earned a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University. She received National Endowment for the Humanities and Woodrow Wilson fellowships.

A professor of American history at Colgate University from 1970-85, Dr. Bleser taught southern history and specialized in the Civil War and Reconstruction. She was the university's first full-time woman faculty member and first female full professor. From 1985 until her retirement in 2000, she was the Kathryn and Calhoun Lemon Distinguished Professor of United States History at Clemson University, making her the university's first female titled professor. Dr. Bleser was a trailblazer for professional women and mentored many women in pursuit of their educations and careers.