Richard Riley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Riley
|
|
|---|---|
Riley in 1997
|
|
| 6th United States Secretary of Education | |
| In office January 21, 1993 – January 20, 2001 |
|
| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Lamar Alexander |
| Succeeded by | Rod Paige |
| 111th Governor of South Carolina | |
| In office January 10, 1979 – January 14, 1987 |
|
| Lieutenant | Nancy Stevenson Michael R. Daniel |
| Preceded by | James B. Edwards |
| Succeeded by | Carroll A. Campbell Jr. |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate | |
| In office January 10, 1967 – January 11, 1977 |
|
| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Carroll A. Campbell Jr. |
| Constituency | 3rd district (1967–1973) 2nd district (1973–1977) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Wilson Riley
January 2, 1933 Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ann Yarborough |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Furman University (BA) University of South Carolina (LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1954–1955 |
Richard Wilson Riley (born January 2, 1933) is an American politician. He served as the United States Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton. Before that, he was the 111th governor of South Carolina. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Richard Riley is the only Democrat to serve two terms as governor in South Carolina since the state law changed to allow it.
Contents
Richard Riley's Early Life and Career
Richard Riley was born on January 2, 1933, in Greenville, South Carolina. He went to Furman University and graduated in 1954. Later, he earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina.
Riley began his public service in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He served there from 1963 to 1966. After that, he was a member of the South Carolina Senate from 1967 to 1977.
Governor of South Carolina (1979–1987)
Richard Riley was elected governor of South Carolina in 1978. During his first term, the state's constitution was changed. This new rule allowed governors to serve two terms in a row.
Riley was re-elected in 1982 with a large majority of votes. He served as governor until 1987.
Improving Education in South Carolina
As governor, Riley led a major effort to improve schools. This was called the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984. Because of his focus on education, he was often called South Carolina’s "Education Governor."
He also started other important laws. One was the Medically Indigent Assistance Act, which helped people who couldn't afford medical care. Another was the Employment Revitalization Act, which helped coordinate job training across the state.
Richard Riley's Career After Being Governor
In 1993, President Bill Clinton asked Richard Riley to join his team. Clinton appointed Riley as the United States Secretary of Education. In this role, Riley worked to improve education across the entire country.
From 1997 to 2000, Riley helped create and run the America Reads Challenge. This program aimed to help children learn to read better. Riley served as Secretary of Education until President Clinton's term ended in 2001.
After his time as Secretary, Riley continued to be involved in public service. He worked as a partner in a law firm and served on the board of the Albert Shanker Institute. In 2007, he supported Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign.
Working for Global Justice
Riley also serves as an Honorary Co-Chair for the World Justice Project. This group works to make sure that the Rule of Law is strong around the world. They believe this helps communities become fairer and offer more opportunities for everyone.
Recognizing Richard Riley's Contributions
Richard Riley has received many honors for his work.
In 1999, Furman University, where Riley studied, created the Richard W. Riley Institute. This institute focuses on government, politics, and public leadership.
In 2000, Winthrop University also named its college of education after him. In 2008, Walden University did the same, naming its college of education the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership. This honored his dedication to students and his efforts to make education available to more people.
TIME magazine named him one of the Top Ten Best Cabinet Members in USA history in 2008. Many people, including The Christian Science Monitor, have called him "one of the great statesmen of education in this (20th) century."
In 2018, his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, announced plans to build a sculpture. This sculpture will honor his leadership and his commitment to quality education for all children.
The University of South Carolina opened the Richard W. Riley Collection in 2018. This collection has thousands of photos, speeches, notes, and interviews. It shows his long career in public service.
Richard Riley's Family Life
Richard Riley is married to the late Ann O. Yarborough. They have three sons and one daughter.
See also
- Bill Clinton Supreme Court candidates
