A Quarter Century of Excellence
For over two decades, The Riley Institute has been bringing high quality programming to Furman’s campus and beyond. Thousands of professionals state- and nationwide have taken part in our fellowships and applied their new skills and knowledge in their local communities. Even more Furman students and community members have taken part in our public policy events, hearing from guest speakers like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Madeleine Albright, Chuck Todd, Al Gore, Christine Todd Whitman, John Glenn, Mike McConnell, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Tom Brokaw.
Our work has inspired established and emerging leaders alike to innovate and collaborate to make South Carolina better for all and has extended Furman’s reputation and reach well beyond our state.
-
3,000+Riley Fellowsgraduates of our renowned Diversity Leaders Initiative
-
399rising Furman freshman participants in Advantage Scholarsforming a community of scholars
-
$10.6Milliongenerated to date in contracts through our research consultancy
Institute News
You can’t fix the birth rate without fixing child care
This op-ed was originally ran on October 27, 2025 in South Carolina Daily Gazette. Author: True DePaoli ’27
Continue Reading >Megan Dodgens in her Leadership Era
Meet Megan Dodgens, whose quiet leadership and gift for building relationships have made a lasting impact across South Carolina.
Continue Reading >Beyond Professional Development: How DLI Changes Leaders
From fire departments to foundations to law enforcement, three Riley Fellows share how DLI changed the way they lead, inspired new policies, and built lasting connections.
Continue Reading >