Dr. William C. Green, associate professor of Political Science, died Monday, January 26, following a sudden illness while on active duty in Germany with the United States Navy. A commander with the U.S. Navy Reserve, he had been on leave from the university while serving in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (CENTCOM AOR) on one-year mobilization orders.
 
William Green came to CSUSB in September, 1995 after teaching at Boston University and the University of Southern California, where he earned his bachelor’s degree (Russian language and literature), master’s degree (international relations) and doctorate (international relations).  In addition to teaching and mentoring students, Green served as graduate coordinator for the Political Science department.

Green, who lived in Claremont, specialized in national security, comparative politics of Eurasia, and international relations. He was the recipient of the university’s 2007-2008 Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching. Upon receiving the award, it was noted that Green was chosen for being a “scholarly teacher” who had a research interest in the topics that he taught, and who continually enhanced his teaching with his deep and current understanding of the field. Students who recommended him for the award described him as “outstanding in every way” and “a man of character and integrity.” They said Green delivered his lectures with “remarkable clarity” and that he had “a good sense of humor.” One of his students wrote, “Dr. Green is the best professor I’ve ever had.”
  
He served as a fellow at the Harvard Research Center and at the Hoover Institution, and he authored several books on the Soviet Union, the Russian military and nuclear weapons. In addition to his military service, he also served as election observer for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe during the 2004 national elections in Kazakhstan.
 
William Green is survived by his wife, Ann, and two children, Clark and Julia.  Although funeral services were held for him on February 8 and 9, it is Orthodox custom to observe a special memorial service on the 40th day after death.  Green’s 40th day memorial service will take place at his home parish, St Peter the Apostle Antiochian Orthodox Church, 464 E. Bonita Ave, San Dimas, CA, on Saturday, March 6th, at 8:30 AM.