“Although this presidency has been a wonderful experience, Gayle and I believe that it is time for a new vision and leadership for ETBU,” said Riley, whose term as president is the second longest in the 96-year history of the university. “God has blessed our University immeasurably over the years with outstanding men and women to serve as faculty, staff, and trustees at this very special place.”

Riley’s tenure at ETBU has numerous highlights: Record enrollments; significant increase in the endowment; organized the university into seven schools, with deans; completed more than $25 million in capital projects; expanded institutional and instructional technology; moved from NCAA Division II (scholarship athletics) to NCAA Division III (non-scholarship athletics); elected to the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, appointed to the Executive Council; served on the Marshall Chamber of Commerce Board; was president of the Marshall Rotary Club; and deacon at First Baptist Church, Marshall.

“Dr. Riley has led ETBU as its president for over 15 years,” said Mr. Hal Cornish, chair of the ETBU Board of Trustees. “During that time there have been many significant accomplishments at ETBU. The campus has been expanded greatly and beautifully through the addition of many new buildings and the renovation of several others. The quality of student education has also been greatly improved.

“Dr. Riley and his wife, Gayle, certainly deserve a long and enjoyable retirement. They have been good for ETBU and have represented the University well over the years both externally and inside the ETBU community. He has been a man of integrity and has engendered that quality within the faculty and staff,” added Cornish.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Cornish said, “The trustees consider Dr. Riley to be a good friend as well as a capable colleague. We will certainly miss him at ETBU when he retires, but everyone has the right to retire at a time of their choosing. It has certainly been most enjoyable and stimulating working with Dr. Riley and we wish him the very best in retirement.”

Dr. Riley arrived at East Texas Baptist University in 1992, following eight years as president of Howard College in Big Spring. One goal was to build enrollment through programs; the University had three athletic teams and now has 10 teams for men and women. He was instrumental in expanding the choir program; initiated the marching band program; encouraged the development of the Student Leadership Institute and Great Commission Center; emphasized study abroad and international education; and made religious symbolism more prominent on campus.

“Universities are deeply blessed by continuity of leadership as the mission and purpose of the university is consistently advanced. A short drive or walk through the campus bears evidence of the significant improvements under Dr. Riley’s leadership, including academic buildings, athletic fields, and residence halls,” said Dr. Paul Sorrels, provost/vice president for Academic Affairs. “Nearly every building has been improved, extensively renovated, or built during his tenure.”

Riley began his education career at age 19 as a school bus driver and college student. Except for serving two years in the U.S. Navy, the past 46 years have been dedicated to serving students and faculty in the public schools, community colleges, and universities.

Dr. Riley will leave some unfinished goals for the new president, including the completion of the University student center and the design and construction of a new performing arts center.

“There will always be a new building to build or a project to complete,” said Dr. Riley, 65. “Gayle and I believe what Ecclesiastes teaches, that there is ‘a time for everything’ and now is the time for us to move on to the next chapter of our life. We leave with an almost overwhelming love for ETBU and the belief that the ‘Light on the Hill’ will never die!”

The Rileys plan to move to Hideaway Lake, which is North of Tyler.