Dr. Trevor Mackenzie Bates is a bold and visionary leader with a rich history in academia and a deep commitment to transformative leadership. Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Dr. Bates overcame the challenges of an impoverished and high-crime environment before his family relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, when he was 12 years old, in search of a better life. This pivotal move set the stage for a journey marked by relentless determination and academic excellence.

Dr. Bates earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Millikin University in Illinois, followed by a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Medicine as a pre-doctoral fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He further distinguished himself with a Doctor of Health Sciences degree, focusing on Leadership and Organizational Behavior, from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, a testament to his dedication to both personal and professional growth.

With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience, Dr. Bates has held a variety of influential roles, including clinician, faculty member, clinical education coordinator, program director, department chair, and vice president. His career trajectory is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing education and organizational excellence. Dr. Bates has served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, and Professor of Health Sciences at Mercy College of Ohio, where his leadership left an indelible mark on the institution. He also served as President of Wilmington College, where he was instrumental in guiding the college through a period of significant growth and transformation.

In his current role as President of Mercy College in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Bates continues to bring his visionary leadership and strategic acumen to the forefront, driving the college toward new heights of academic excellence and community impact. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to fostering inclusive environments and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Beyond his contributions to higher education, Dr. Bates is a recognized leader in the field of athletic training. He currently chairs the Athletic Training Section and serves as a Joint Board member of the State of Ohio’s Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board. His leadership extends to national and regional levels, having recently completed a term as Vice President of the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association (GLATA) and as a founding member of the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association (OATA) Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Dr. Bates also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for United Church Homes Inc. (UCH) and is an active member of the UCH Management Inc. board. As National Co-Chair of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Task Force, he is at the forefront of driving critical conversations and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion within the profession.

A man of strong Christian faith, Dr. Bates embodies the values of resilience, integrity, and service in all aspects of his life. A lifetime Midwesterner, he proudly embraces his roots as a native Chicagoan, having also spent significant time in Kansas City and Ohio. As the second oldest of eight biological siblings and with several more through marriage, Dr. Bates understands the importance of family and community. A former high-school scholar-athlete, his energetic spirit and dedication to excellence are evident in everything he does.

Dr. Bates and his wife Kassandra resides in Sylvania, Ohio, with their family. Together, they exemplify the strength of family, faith, and the pursuit of purpose-driven leadership.