Longtime South Plains College Administrator to Retire

A South Plains College vice president will officially end his career in late June.

Anthony “Tony” Riley will conclude his professional career that featured more than 30 years of service at SPC and 30 years of active and reserve service in the military on June 30^th, 2014.

Riley began his career at SPC in 1981 as a part-time adjunct faculty member teaching in business administration. He became a full-time instructor in 1991, and was promoted to vice president for finance and administration in 1993.

The Morristown, Tennessee native received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and earned an MBA from Clemson and Furman Universities. He later became a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas.

Riley retired from the military in 1993 with the rank of Lt. Colonel after serving in the Texas Army National Guard. He was sent to Korea and three times to Germany, where he worked in the intelligence area.

During his time as a part-time instructor at SPC, Riley served as plant comptroller for the Plains Cotton Cooperative/American Cotton Growers denim plant in Littlefield. He also taught at Wayland Baptist University as well.

During Riley’s tenure, SPC secured seven buildings following the closure of Reese Air Force Base.

“Someone once told me that if you like your job, you never work a day in your life,” said Riley. “I have worked very few days at SPC.”

Riley said that he plans to continue his participation in the West Winds Brass Band.