Dr. Trevor M. Bates holds a Doctor of Health Sciences in Leadership and Organizational Behavior from A.T. Still University, a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Millikin University. He is an Ohio licensed Athletic Trainer (AT) and nationally Board of Certification ® Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). 

Dr. Bates is a mission-driven executive leader with more than two decades of progressive leadership experience across healthcare, higher education, regulated professions, and complex non-profit governance environments. Serving in roles ranging from a clinical athletic trainer to college president, he brings demonstrated expertise in board partnership, strategic planning, advocacy engagement, financial stewardship, and organizational transformation. He offers significant experience in conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, strategic planning, accreditation, compliance, workforce development, association service, and regulatory leadership. 

Throughout his career, he has engaged healthcare, higher education, non-profit, and government leaders to advance education, healthcare workforce, and community impact initiatives. He has successfully operated within complex environments and serving as a professional resources to address leadership and organizational challenges as a strategic consultant and executive leader. He is focused on providing disciplined strategic execution, strong communication, collaborative leadership, and a steady, governance-centered approach to advancing mission-driven individuals, units, and organizations.