John and Kelly Charles will be hosting Europe's Historic Rivers: Main, Rhine, & Moselle, June 2-12, 2026.
Professor Emeritus John Charles was born in Sheffield, England and taught in a comprehensive school in Oxfordshire before making his home in America. After completing his doctorate at the University of Oregon in Eugene he joined the faculty of the College of William and Mary in 1980. High points of his 40+ years of service to the university include founding and coaching the women’s soccer team, teaching a range of classes in his home department (Kinesiology) and Environmental Studies, American Studies and the Honors program. He wrote 3 books and many articles, and was the Department Chair and the Arts and Sciences Director of Academic Advising. He brings to this alumni program experiences leading many WM summer study abroad programs.
Kelly Charles grew up in a small town near Boston, Massachusetts. She began her teaching career in Massachusetts before moving to Florida, Puerto Rico and then Virginia. She is an Emeritas Professor from William and Mary where she also completed her ED. S. Degree in Counseling. She was hired by the Kinesiology Department at a time when Wellness Programs were taking hold. She enjoyed a long career teaching a variety of classes including: Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise Prescription, Supervised Student Teaching, Wellness, Yoga, Tai Chi, Weight Training and Aerobic Exercise. She is a Certified Personal Trainor and Yoga Instructor and continues to teach yoga in Williamsburg. She has been involved in many study-abroad programs with her husband John including England, Ireland, India and Antigua. She is looking forward to many more trips!