The City of Charleston first elected Mayor Joe Riley to office over 30 years ago.

Having never left the city of Charleston, Mayor Riley has seen it all. He’s witnessed the countless new buildings the College has obtained, the student body growth; he’s even seen seven different C of C presidents.

“It’s hard to overstate the positive impact of the College [on the city], in so many ways,” Riley said. “Obviously the growing student body in the heart of the city, having more residents and people living in the city who bring their presence and energy, which has been a very enlivening force in our central business district.”

Before the College became a state institution in 1970, its population hovered around 500 students, most of whom were from the area. Since then the College has grown to 10,000 students, with many coming from out of state. The mayor sees a direct correlation between the growing student body and the opportunities it brings Charleston citizens.

“It’s a wonderful cycle. The College has grown; more students have brought more faculty members who bring service. And the citizens have more options for their continued education,” Riley said.

Upon entering office, Riley initiated a myriad of urban policy plans that have had a lasting impact on the city. The preservation of historic buildings and the strengthening of infrastructure are only a few of his initiatives. Riley stressed that the College has been on the same page throughout this process

“The College considered moving out of downtown. It was something that the Board of Trustees felt they should at least examine. They were looking at vacant land, but they made the decision to stay in the historic location,” Riley said. “Dr. Stern [then president] and the subsequent presidents, and faculty all supported the reinvigoration of the city as part of their master plan, and it worked.”

While Riley mentioned all of the great things the College has done over the years, he still sees room for improvement. College alcohol use concerns him.

“President Benson, Mrs. Nadel [Associate Dean of Students] and her staff and the college leaders are seeking to reduce the over-consumption of alcohol and illegal consumption of alcohol,” Riley said.

The mayor expressed that this was a concern for more than just legality issues.

“As young people are over-drinking they endanger themselves physically by getting sick and harming themselves but also by becoming victims,” Riley said.

Students falling victim to violent crimes is an issue that the mayor feels can be improved with better decision making. He also said that he feels very positive about the violence issue and is confident in the security arrangements.

“I feel very positive about the direction we are going in; we are working very closely with President Benson and Mrs. Nadel, the student body and staff and the city of Charleston police department with Chief Mullen as well as the College’s [police] chief,” Riley said.

Riley said that college students should enjoy the city of Charleston as much as they can.

“Take advantage and enjoy the city, I’ve lived here all my life and I can be walking down the street and see something maybe I’ve never noticed before,” Riley said. “Enjoy the public parks and downtown." 

Riley also stressed just how great the college life can be.

“In your college years, when you’re studying for exams you think it’s lasting forever and in a blink of an eye they’re gone,” Riley said.

Riley said he felt that the College was vital to the city of Charleston. It is more than just a school and a city, it’s a relationship that builds upon itself and can last for generations, he said.

“You can’t have a great city without a great university and you can’t have a great university without a great city,” Riley said.