Charles Somerville Harris enrolled at Hampton Institute (University), receiving a degree in Mass Media Arts in 1973. As an undergraduate he was active in campus life, serving as an announcer and subsequently manager of the campus radio station. He was also active in student affairs.

After earning his degree, he began a career on the campus of Hampton as a media services employee at the University Nursing School. Later in 1973 Harris worked at Newsweek Magazine as an intern staff writer. In 1974 he was admitted to the University of Michigan Graduate School of Journalism. Concurrently he worked in the U of M Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, initially in media services and progressing to the title of Assistant Director of Athletics. In the latter position he was responsible for facility operations and marketing.

In 1979 Harris accepted the position of Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation at the University of Pennsylvania. With this appointment he became the first African American and youngest person to serve as Athletic Director at an IVY League school.

He served the University of Pennsylvania until 1985 when he accepted the position of Director of Athletics at Arizona State University, making him the first African American to serve as Athletic Director at an NCAA Division I program and was the first to serve in this capacity in the Pacific-10 Conference. Harris and his wife formed Excel Development Systems, Inc. (now UbuntuGlobal) a consulting practice in 1986

In 1996, Harris accepted the position of Commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, a position he held until his resignation in 2003. In 2004 he was named Director of Athletics at Averett University, making him the first African American appointed in the USA South Athletic Conference. In 2007 he took on the additional title of Vice President of Student Services, subsequently he was named Executive Vice President of the University, both firsts for an African American at that institution. Harris retired from Averett in 2021

He is pre-deceased by his parents Robert Otis and Dorothy Jones Harris.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lenora Billings-Harris, one sister, two half-brother's in-law, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Celebration of Life was held on December 17, 2022.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to: Averett University, 420 West Main St., Danville VA 24541, Averett Ascending Capital Campaign, designated for the Charles S. Harris Field House https://www.averett.edu/giving/harrisfieldhouse/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Harris family.