University administrator.
Born in Rockford, Ill., 12 November 1891. A.B., University of Iowa (1912), B.S.A., University of Missouri (1914). Extension instructor at University of Indiana (1914-1917), Director of Extension, University of Arkansas (1917-1919), Dean of Extension, University of Florida, 1919-1962. Active in Chautququa, founder of Florida Blue Key, vice president of National University Extension Association (1921-1922) and president (1939-1940), president of Southern Colleges and University Extension Association (1922-1924). Married Ruth Lemon (?-1979) in 1912.
From the description of Papers, 1918-1963. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 23230121
Bert Clair Riley was the first director (later dean) of Florida's General Extension Division (GED). He was born in Rockford, Illinois, on November 12, 1891. He received an A.B. degree in 1912 at the University of Iowa and a B.S.A. from the University of Missouri in 1914. His first extension position was at the University of Indiana. In 1917, he was appointed director of Arkansas's GED. Riley was also active in Chautauqua programs at both Indiana and Arkansas. In 1919, Florida created its GED and Riley came to the University of Florida to organize its headquarters. Riley was also influential in extension work on the national level. He served as the vice-president of the National University Extension Association (NUEA) for 1921-1922 and as president in 1939-1940. He was president of the Southern Colleges and University Extension Association from 1922 to 1924.
Riley is remembered best as the founder of Florida Blue Key. The first Blue Key chapter was formed at the University of Florida in 1924 as a temporary committee of student leaders set up to arrange that year's Homecoming and Dad Day's celebrations. Riley also served as a civilian aide to the U. S. Department of War and later held the rank of major. He died June 28, 1962, two days prior to his scheduled retirement from the University of Florida.
Bert Riley was married to Ruth Lemon in April, 1912. Ruth Lemon Riley also participated in extension work and served as head of Florida GED's Department of Public Information and General Services. She was active in Cardinal Key, a national honorary sorority, and was its executive director from 1933 to 1963. She died in May, 1979.
From the guide to the Bert Clair and Ruth Lemon Riley Papers, 1918-1963, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)
