As an outstanding advocate of quality education, former First Lady of South Carolina Ann “Tunky” Riley graduated with a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina and began her career as a volunteer coordinator in the Greenville County Schools. Tunky’s extensive contributions in the education field led her to serve as a board member and active participant on the Citizens Participation for Education Task Force to establish new educational goals and challenges for South Carolina’s young people.
During 1983 and 1984, Tunky worked for passage of the most comprehensive education reforms in South Carolina, the Education Improvement Act. She made numerous appearances throughout the state to speak to organizations promoting citizen participation in education.
In addition to her extensive involvement in education, Tunky Riley is active in many organizations related to health, the arts, gardening and historic preservation. As a mother of four and grandmother of 11, she has enjoyed community service in a variety of fields.
She presently serves on the Board of Directors of Spoleto Festival, U.S.A., Meridian International and the U.S. Botanic Garden Fund. She also has served on the S.C. State Museum Foundation, YWCA, United Way of Greenville, the Hollings Cancer Center, Junior League of Greenville, Peace Performing Arts Center, Alliance for Quality Education, Wildflower Alliance of S.C., Cities in Schools, Inc., South Carolina PTA and the Dorothy Haynsworth Garden Club.
Tunky was born in Florence, S.C. and now lives in South Carolina with her husband, former S.C. Gov. Richard W. Riley, formerly Secretary of Education for U.S. President Bill Clinton.
