Rutgers GSE CMSI

Tierney J. Bates

    Tierney J. Bates has established himself as national thought leader, speaker, networker,
    career coach, innovator, and voice on diversity, equity, inclusion, and GENERATION NOW! He
    has given over 180 keynote talks, presentations, and workshops. With over 20+ years in higher
    education, he has progressed from entry level to senior level administration providing leadership,
    vision, and responsibility for strategic initiatives and solutions in student services, diversity &
    inclusion, career services/workforce development, recruitment, and fundraising. He is currently
    the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina Upstate and was
    formerly at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as Assistant Vice Chancellor for
    Special Projects & Executive Director and has served in leadership roles at Virginia Union
    University, North Carolina Central University, University of Louisville, University of Tennessee,
    and Bowling Green State University.

    He is also the founder and Chief Engagement Officer of The Bates Group LLC that is a premier
    boutique consulting and education agency, specializing in working with higher education,
    corporate industry, and nonprofits, the areas of focus include: Career Coaching & Development,
    DEI Strategy, plans, and assessments, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Training & Workshops,
    Diverse Talent Searches, Speakers Bureau, Fundraising Consulting for Identity-Based &
    Diversity fundraising needs.

    Tierney is from Cleveland, Ohio and received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media
    Communications with a minor in African-American History from the University of Akron, his
    Master of Arts in Higher -Education Administration from the University of Akron, and his MBA
    from Bryan College, and a Doctorate degree from Spalding University. He is a member of
    Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
    (NASPA), the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), the National Black MBA
    Association (NBMBAA), Southern Association of College Student Affairs (SACSA), National
    Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 100 Black Men of Triangle East and a Prince
    Hall Mason.