Former U.S. Secretary of Education
Former Governor of South Carolina
Nominated By: Cynthia Rudrud
As Governor, Secretary Riley won national recognition for his efforts to improve education in South Carolina. As Secretary, he moved American education towards higher academic standards, improved instruction for the disadvantaged, helped more Americans go to college with expanded loan programs and better prepared young people for the world of work. He created the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education, which today includes more than 8,000 groups. Secretary Riley was the first Secretary of Education to emphasize the importance of International Education, coordinating international partnerships around the world.