World Education Mourns the Loss of Charles Ellis

It is with profound sadness that we announce Charles R. Ellis, World Education Trustee, died on May 4, 2008 at his home in Paris, France, after a brave battle with cancer. World Education staff, colleagues, and friends all mourn the loss of Charles' kindness, humor, and generosity.

Charles Ellis visiting a primary school class supported by World Education in 2004

In 2004, Charles joined World Education's Board of Trustees and played a key role in championing the Girls' and Women's Education Initiative. He and his wife, Sandi, traveled to Mali, West Africa, where they supported the Girls' and Women's Integrated Literacy Program coupling literacy with health and income generating opportunities for women. They also provided seed funding for the Northern Mali Girls' Education Program to help committed young girls in one of the most desolate regions in the world continue their education past primary school. The Ellis' legacy in Mali includes support for 13 literacy centers, and helping more than 500 women and girls develop the skills, resources, and confidence they need to improve their lives and communities.

Assetou Diarra, a participant in the Girls' and Women's Integrated Literacy Program named her new baby "Charles" in honor of the Ellis' generous support of the project.

A graduate of Princeton University, Charles began his career teaching at a preparatory school and working for Bertrand Russell, the British philosopher and activist. Charles soon found a balance between the intellectual life and concerns of making a living by turning to publishing. After successful stints in executive positions, he joined John Wiley & Sons, Inc, in 1988, where he served as the President & CEO from 1990-98. A publisher by temperament and trade, Charles was instrumental in bringing about the company's revival and initiating its transition to a truly global corporation.

Charles and Sandi on a trip to Mali.

Beyond his role in Wiley's resurgence, Charles has been an influential advocate for the worldwide publishing community. He served as President of the International Publishers Association and Chair of the Association of American Publishers from 1992-94. In 1998, Charles received the AAP's highest honor, the Curtis Benjamin Award. Charles also served on the Boards of Literacy Partners, the Association of American Publishers, the International Publishers Association, Princeton University Press, JSTOR and the International DOI Foundation.

On behalf of the entire World Education community, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandi, and their family.