Kelly Gregory is the Riley Institute’s director for public education projects and partnerships. In this role, she works to advance evidence-based education practices in South Carolina by cultivating statewide partnerships and drawing from the institute’s original research and from research at the state and national levels. She also directs the institute’s WhatWorksSC annual award program, which highlights outstanding evidence-based programs that positively impact public education in South Carolina.

Gregory, who brings both extensive classroom experience and research experience to the role, taught for 11 years in public schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In her previous roles with the institute, she served as a member of the research team for its groundbreaking South Carolina statewide education study and for its external evaluation of OnTrack Greenville, a collaborative intervention program that keeps students on track to graduate high school.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Furman University and a master’s degree in learning disabilities from Converse University. In addition to a National Board certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist, she also holds certifications in early childhood education and elementary education.