Honors:

Graduate Furman University - BA cum laude, Political Science (1954)

Graduate Furman University - BA cum laude, Political Science (1954)

United States Navy Communications Officer (1954 - 1955)

University of South Carolina - LLB (1959)

South Carolina House of Representatives (1963 - 1966)

South Carolina Senate (1967 - 1977)

Advisory Commission Intergovernmental Relations (1977 - 1981)

Governor of South Carolina (1979 - 1987)

United States Secretary of Education (1993 - 2001)

TIME Magazine's "Top Ten Best Cabinet Members"Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough - Senior PartnerBoard Member Albert Shanker InstituteFurman University Richard W. Riley Institute of Government,Politics and Public Leadership created (1999)

Walden University Richard W. Riley College of Educationand Leadership created (2008)
Initiated: April 23, 1947   DeMolay Degree: April 30, 1947Greenville Chapter (SC) 
Quote: "To thine own self be true" - William Shakespeare
Inducted June 18, 2011