Clemson University honors Rep. Govan for dropout prevention

Published: March 2, 2012

S.C. Rep. Jerry N. Govan Jr. receives the Riley Award from National Dropout Prevention Center Director Sam Drew at At-Risk Youth Conference image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON -- The National Dropout Prevention Center at Clemson University has presented S.C. Rep. Jerry N. Govan Jr. the Governor and Mrs. Richard W. Riley Award for Excellence in Dropout Prevention.

Govan, an Orangeburg native, is County Attendance Supervisor for three Orangeburg school districts. His commitment to education goes beyond his work in the school district. For years, he served as a prevention specialist for the Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

He graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School and South Carolina State University, where he earned a B.A. in political science and a M.A. in teaching.

Govan has represented Orangeburg in the South Carolina House since 1992.

He is the senior-ranking member of the House Education and Public Works Committee. He supported the Education and Economic Development Act and funding for dropout prevention.

Govan has been recognized by numerous organizations for his outstanding contributions to substance abuse prevention, financial literacy education, after-school programs, excellence in education and service to the community.

The Governor and Mrs. Richard W. Riley Award of Excellence in Dropout Prevention honors an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing dropout prevention initiatives in South Carolina. The National Dropout Prevention Center, College of Health, Education and Human Development at Clemson University, selects the recipient, based on strong leadership, effective dropout prevention strategies in South Carolina and/or work that furthers the mission of the Center/Network.

This award was named for the Rileys because of their leadership and vision for education, especially in the area of dropout prevention. Dick Riley cut the ribbon at the opening of the National Dropout Prevention Center at Clemson University in 1986. Tunky Riley served as the chairperson of the South Carolina Dropout Prevention Network, an early initiative of the NDPC, from 1987 to 1989.

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