Dr. Richard Gilder III brings a lifetime of experience as an educator, investor, and philanthropist to his role on the Palmetto Promise Institute Board of Directors. A passionate advocate for classical education and literacy, Dr. Gilder currently serves as a Senior Adjunct Instructor at the College of Charleston, where he teaches Latin, Ancient Greek and
Carrigan was a Summer 2025 Research Fellow. Carrigan Woodson is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Mass Communications with minors in English and Spanish. She aspires to become a news reporter after graduation, but her dreams also include becoming an author, documentary filmmaker, and eventually, a Communications Director. Her passion
Annika was a summer 2025 Research Fellow. Annika Boeh is a rising junior at Clemson University, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Biology. She is especially interested in the intersection of market-based policy solutions and healthcare, and is passionate about using research and reform to create meaningful, measurable change
Jeb Bush served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and is chairman of the board of directors of ExcelinEd, a nonprofit that supports state leaders with policy solutions for improving education. Headshot sourced from ExcelinEd.
Kyle D. Boyles is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a proven track record of leadership, community engagement, and strategic impact. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and furthered his studies in non-profit management at Stanford University. Kyle earned his MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, where he was
Spandana was a spring 2025 Research Fellow in Healthcare. Spandana Anchoori, a senior at the University of South Carolina’s Honors College, is an ambitious public health practitioner in the making. Pursuing a B.S. in Public Health with a minor in Neuroscience at the Arnold School of Public Health, she is currently engrossed in her senior
Mercy was a Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Research Fellow. Mercy Fletcher is a freshman studying Political Science with a minor in Law and Society at the University of South Carolina. After interning for Miller Conway Law Firm in Goose Creek, SC, Mercy has discovered her passion for law and is pursuing a pre-law track.
Morgan Weiner was a Fall 2024 Research Fellow. Morgan Weiner is a senior at the University of South Carolina, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Studio Art. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi and served on the University of South Carolina’s Student Government Team. After interning for Governor Henry
Joy Davis is a rising senior at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, SC. There, she is a member of Mock Trial, Youth in Government, Beta Club, Chamber Choir, and National Honors Society, as well as a Student Ambassador. She was a 2022 Palmetto Girls State Delegate and a published poet. Joy is a member
Luca was a Summer 2024 Junior Policy Scholar. Luca is a rising high school senior from Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she is homeschooled and attends Upstate Homeschool Co-op. She grew up in the picturesque countryside of upstate South Carolina, with seven siblings, two amazing parents, and a menagerie of pets. Luca has served as a