Alex Sanders holds a bachelor's degree and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina, along with a master's degree in judicial process from the University of Virginia. He spent nearly two decades in higher education leadership, first as President of the College of Charleston, where he significantly increased student enrollment and diversity. Sanders then founded the Charleston School of Law and served as its President, further contributing to legal education. His tenure in academia was marked by substantial property acquisitions and facility development. Sanders' military service and early work experience provide a well-rounded foundation for his leadership capabilities.

Alex Sanders blends progressive environmentalism with an unexpected alignment on certain gun rights issues, challenging conventional ideological boundaries. His tenure in academia, marked by substantial enrollment growth and diversity initiatives, suggests a highly localized approach to education reform. Sanders's rhetorical style seems to emphasize calculated policy convergences, as seen in his nuanced stance on environmental regulations.