History of the Riley Center
The Riley Center is an interdisciplinary social science center for programs of academic study as well as research and community service. The Center has access to a variety of faculty and staff possessing a broad range of practical and academic experience. The Center employs its resources to assist the The Graduate School at the College of Charleston in meeting a threefold mission of providing professional graduate-level education, conducting research of benefit to the state and region, and providing community service. The Center at the College of Charleston began its service to the state and region in 1978 as the Center for Metropolitan Affairs. Reflecting a more applied research focus, it became the Center for Public Affairs and Policy Studies in 1983.
The Naming of The Center
In January 2001, the College of Charleston Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of the Academic Affairs Committee to rename the Center in honor of Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. The Center officially became the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Studies In June 2001.
Mission Statement
The Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Studies will capture and promote Mayor Riley's vision for productive, healthy cities. As a vital part of the College of Charleston, the Riley Center will provide educational and research opportunities for faculty, students and appointed officials, as well as provide a forum for public involvement in urban issues and policies.
Mayor Riley has enthusiastically endorsed the naming of the Center and has agreed to assist Center staff in exploring opportunities to develop the Center in ways consistent with its mission. Riley said that lending his name to the Center will allow Charleston to continue teaching other communities about historic preservation, urban planning and good public policy. "I also think it will allow the College of Charleston to work even more closely with our local community, neighborhood associations, neighborhood councils," Riley said (The Post and Courier, Jan. 18, 2001).
Riley Center staff is working with Mayor Riley's staff regarding the creation of an archive for the Mayor. Initial discussions are focused on chronicling Mayor Riley's accomplishments while in office and beginning to catalogue major speeches. A national advisory board was created in fall 2002 which will provide guidance to the Center.
In taking on the name of Mayor Riley, the intention is to focus Center resources on urban issues and problems while maintaining current activities. Among the activities anticipated in connection with the naming of the Riley Center are the creation of the Center for the City, the Center for Urban Policy and the Center for Local Government Leadership.