Dr. Emmitt Y. Riley, III is an Associate Professor of Politics and African & African American Studies at The University of the South. He is also the director of the African and African American Studies Program and currently serves as the 42nd President of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. Dr. Riley's extensive work centers around diversifying the field of political science, providing opportunities for graduate students, junior scholars, and mid-career political scientists. As part of his presidential initiatives, Dr. Riley has introduced the Black Politics Author Speakers Series, which showcases the scholarly works of renowned experts in the field of Black Politics. This pioneering series aims to amplify the voices of political science that have often been marginalized and underrepresented in mainstream discourse. Dr. Riley has appointed the NCOBPS Presidential Task Force for Political Engagement & Criminal Justice Reform. He has garnered national recognition as a Professor. He has held notable positions, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor of Political Science, Africana Studies Director of Africana Studies, and the Larz A. Whitcomb Endowed Faculty Fellowship. Additionally, he has served as an Instructor and adjunct professor of Social Sciences at Coahoma Community College and Mississippi Valley State University.As an expert in American Politics, Black Politics, and Racial Attitudes, Dr. Riley's scholarly achievements have been celebrated through numerous accolades, including being named the 2018 Anna Julia Cooper Teacher of the Year and receiving the Fannie Lou Hamer Award for Service in 2020. Furthermore, he was honored with the 2021 G. Bromley Oxnam Award for Service at DePauw University.Dr. Riley's teaching and research interests span various subjects, including Race Politics, Black Politics, Legislative-Process, American Government, Political Marginalization, Inequality, and Introduction to African and African American Studies. His research endeavors delve into the influence of African American political representation on racial attitudes and political behavior. He also examines the substantive and symbolic advantages of black descriptive representation. He is writing a book titled "Mississippi Goddamn: The Constraints of Black Politics in Mississippi," which investigates the political and institutional challenges black politicians face in their quest to represent their constituencies effectively. He is co-author of "Racial Attitudes in America Today: One Nation, Still Divided."