"What makes one an intellectual is the drive to learn, to question, to understand, to criticize, not as a means to an end but as an end in itself. An intellectual believes in criticism in the purest sense of the word and understands that to be a critic is not necessarily to be an opponent; an intellectual, rather, is an observer willing and able to use rational faculties to distinguish wisdom from folly. "
— Stephen L. Carter, Confessions of an Affirmative Action Baby.
Dr. Emmitt Y. Riley, III is an Associate Professor of Politics and African and African American Studies at The University of the South. He is also the director of the African and African American Studies Program and currently serves as the 42nd President of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. Dr. Riley's extensive work centers around diversifying the field of political science, providing opportunities for graduate students, junior scholars, and mid-career political scientists. As part of his presidential initiatives, Dr. Riley has introduced the Black Politics Author Speakers Series, which showcases the scholarly works of renowned experts in the field of Black Politics. This pioneering series aims to amplify the voices of political science that have often been marginalized and underrepresented in mainstream discourse. Additionally, Dr. Riley has appointed the NCOBPS Presidential Task Force for Political Engagement and Criminal Justice Reform, underscoring his commitment to addressing critical issues. He has garnered national recognition as a Professor. He has held notable positions, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor of Political Science, Africana Studies Director of Africana Studies, and the Larz A. Whitcomb Endowed Faculty Fellowship at DePauw University. Additionally, he has served as an Instructor and adjunct professor of Social Sciences at Coahoma Community College and Mississippi Valley State University. Dr. Riley's philosophy as an academic emphasizes the importance of nurturing critical thinking, analytical writing, and inspiring students to become agents of reform for social justice.
Dr. Riley, originally from the heart of the Mississippi Delta—Itta Bena, completed his undergraduate education at Mississippi Valley State University, earning dual bachelor's degrees in English and political science in 2008. He went on to attain a master's degree in political science from Jackson State University in 2010. Continuing his academic journey, he pursued a master's and Doctorate of Philosophy in political science with a specialization in American Politics and International Relations from The University of Mississippi, successfully completing the program in 2014. As an expert in American Politics, Black Politics, Legislative Politics, and Racial Attitudes, Dr. Riley's scholarly achievements have been celebrated through numerous accolades, including being named the 2018 Anna Julia Cooper Teacher of the Year and receiving the Fannie Lou Hamer Award for Service in 2020, both conferred by the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. Furthermore, he was honored with the 2021 G. Bromley Oxnam Award for Service at DePauw University.
Dr. Riley's teaching and research interests span various subjects, including Race Politics, Black Politics, Legislative-Process, American Government, Political Marginalization, Inequality, and Introduction to African and African American Studies. His research endeavors delve into the influence of African American political representation on racial attitudes and political behavior. He also examines the substantive and symbolic advantages of black descriptive representation. Dr. Riley's research has garnered significant attention at regional, national, and international levels, with his works published in esteemed publications such as the Journal of Black Studies, Journal of Race & Policy, and the National Review of Black Politics. He is writing a book titled "Mississippi Goddamn: The Constraints of Black Politics in Mississippi," which investigates the political and institutional challenges black politicians face in their quest to represent their constituencies effectively. Moreover, he co-authors the book "Racial Attitudes in America Today: One Nation, Still Divided."
As an active member of various professional and fraternal organizations, Dr. Riley's affiliations include the American Political Science Association, the Southern Political Science Association, the Association for the Study of Worldwide African Diaspora, the National Conference of Black Political Scientists, and the International Political Science Association. He proudly holds membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and previously served as the President of the Rho Gamma Lambda Chapter in Greenwood, Mississippi. Dr. Riley also contributes his expertise as a board member for the Mississippi Free Press and serves as an Educational Consultant for the College Board, Edmentum Inc., and CROWD Redistricting Fellow Mentor.
Beyond his commitments to political science and Africana Studies, Dr. Riley recognizes the value of developmental education. For the past nine years, he has been actively involved in the Summer Development Studies Program in Mississippi, working closely with students who face academic challenges in reading and writing. Driven by the belief that universities must provide remediation and education to transform lives, Dr. Riley emphasizes the significance of lifting families out of poverty and offering greater opportunities. He firmly maintains that the true measure of a teacher lies in their ability to enhance the skills of students facing academic difficulties.
During his tenure at DePauw University, Dr. Riley has made substantial contributions through his participation in various university committees, including the Resource Allocations Committee, Community Standards Council, Day of Dialogue 3.0, Africana Studies Steering Committee, Diversity and Equity Search Committee, and Personnel, Policy, and Review. He also served as the faculty advisor for the African American Association of Students. Beyond the academic realm, Dr. Riley sometimes lends his insights as a political analyst for The Hill, nationwide radio broadcasts, and his expertise has been cited by numerous news sources and media platforms. He is an active member of New Bethel M.B. Church in Itta Bena, Mississippi, where he lends his voice as a member of the Senior Choir. Dr. Riley's family background consists of his late father, Emmitt Riley, Jr., his mother, Mrs. Johnnie M. Riley, his sister, Chiquita L. Jackson, and his three nieces, Myeshia Hendrix, Angel Jackson, and Kalyn Jackson. He is also the dad of Cooper Mason Riley, his loving Goldendoodle.
Dr. Emmitt Y. Riley, III, stands as a distinguished scholar and professor, making significant contributions to the fields of politics, African and African American Studies, and racial attitudes. Through his dedication to academic excellence, commitment to social justice, and tireless efforts in teaching and research, Dr. Riley continues to shape the educational landscape and inspire students to become catalysts for positive change in society.