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Richard Wilson Riley (born January 2, 1933), American politician, was the United States Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton as well as the Governor of South Carolina, belonging to the Democratic Party.
Born in Greenville County, South Carolina, Riley graduated with honors from Furman University in 1954. He then served in the Navy from 1954-55. Later in 1959 he received a law degree from the University of South Carolina.
Riley began in politics as a member of the house of representatives in his home state of South Carolina, serving from 1963-66. He then moved to the state senate, serving for ten years beginning in 1967. Riley was elected governor of South Carolina in 1979, serving a maximum of two terms ending in 1987. Upon being elected President, Bill Clinton tapped him as Secretary of Education, a post he held for the entirety of Clinton's two terms in office. Since retiring as Secretary of Education, he has served as a Partner in the prominent law firm of Nelson, Mullins, Riley, and Scarborough.
Riley married Ann Osteen Yarborough, they have four children.
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