Our Vision & Mission
We envision a thriving society where every person—regardless of background—can access a transformative education, engage in meaningful work, and shape the future of their community.
In support of our vision, The Riley Institute advances quality education, economic opportunity, and civic participation across South Carolina and beyond. We develop diverse leaders and collaborate with partners to transform the systems and policies shaping our communities, drawing on Furman’s expertise, convening power, and engaged students to drive lasting change.
We accomplish our mission by:
- offering cross-sector and specialized leadership development,
- conducting applied primary and secondary research, and
- hosting and facilitating strategic community convenings
to equip stakeholders and Furman students with the evidence, networks, and mindset to drive collaborative solutions and lasting progress.
Our Values
Nonpartisanship
We elevate policies and practices that help our state and nation fulfill the American promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by focusing on what research and experience show to be most effective—regardless of partisanship. We welcome thoughtful perspectives from across the political spectrum and promote collaboration for durable, shared solutions.
Evidence
Our work—spanning leadership development, policy analysis, and community engagement—is grounded in research and evidence. We follow where the data leads, relying on studies that meet the highest standards of integrity, peer review, and methodological rigor.
Compassion
While we build our programs on research and evidence, we ground our work in the lived experiences behind the data. We elevate the voices of those most affected by our community’s challenges, believing that those closest to community problems are also closest to the solutions. Compassion—rooted in our shared humanity and guided by humility—means walking alongside others, learning from their insights, and being moved to act upon them.
Diversity
Understanding, embracing, and leveraging our differences for stronger decisions and outcomes is foundational to our work. People’s choices and ideas are shaped by their personal experiences, and better solutions—for communities, organizations, and our country—emerge when many perspectives inform the path forward.
Collaboration
No solution to the greatest challenges of our time will be found or realized in isolation. As a systems-focused organization, we understand that policies, practices, power dynamics, and mindsets are interconnected in ways that form the barriers to and opportunities for progress. Progress requires deep cooperation among government, business, nonprofit, and civil society to create meaningful, enduring change.
Our Centers
The Center for Diversity Strategies equips cross-sector leaders with the tools needed to harness the unique perspectives and experiences of all people in their organizations and communities to drive positive change and enhance economic and civic vitality.
The Center for Civic Engagement connects students and community members in learning, dialogue, and action to address local challenges and strengthen civic participation. Our programs elevate community voices and foster cross-sector partnerships, building solutions that improve outcomes for all.
The Riley Institute’s Center for Education Policy and Research promotes evidence-based strategies and public policies to improve education quality and access. Through applied research, leadership development, and capacity-building, the center works to advance equity and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.
