April 27, 2009
William Anderson, professor emeritus and former department chair (1982-85), died on April 27, 2009. According to his life partner, Frank Nemceff, Bill died of a staph infection after earlier having successfully dealt with a mild stroke in 2005 and enduring colonostomy surgery in 2009.
Bill Anderson was a vital presence within the English Department—known for his erudition, acute intelligence, large stature, and mild Texas accent. Born on September 25, 1938 in Dallas, Texas, he received degrees in English Literature, including his PhD, from the University of Texas, Austin. He published numerous scholarly articles, including critical works on Vladimir Nabokov, and he was a department mainstay in teaching the history of literary criticism. His co-authored books included A New Look at Children’s Literature and Criticism: Major Statements. During his thirty years in the English Department at CSUN, he was the recipient of a Distinguished Teaching Award.
A private graveside service was held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on April 30, 2009.