Dr. 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 120 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 at UNC Chapel Hill as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Special Projects & Interim 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, DEI Strategy and plans, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Training & Workshops, Diverse Talent Searches, Speakers Bureau, Fundraising Consulting for Identity-Based & Diversity fundraising needs.

Dr. Bates 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. Dr. Bates 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.