Alicia Bates, Ed.D.
Dr. Alicia Bates is a seasoned higher education professional with over 16 years of experience in campus activities, student engagement, and organizational leadership across the United States and Qatar. She currently serves as Director of Student Involvement and First Year Programs at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, a role she began in 2026. A recognized leader in her field, she also serves as Board Chair for the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), where she helps shape national conversations around student engagement, belonging, and institutional impact. Her career has also included strategic leadership roles such as Chief of Staff to the Dean of Libraries, where she contributed to organizational development and institutional planning.
Dr. Bates holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Student Affairs from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Journalism from Methodist University. She is also certified in DISC assessments, using this expertise to strengthen team dynamics and leadership effectiveness. In addition to her institutional work, she is the owner of A&B Endeavors, a consulting firm providing organizational development, higher education strategy, and event planning services to clients nationally and internationally. Her work is grounded in the belief that meaningful campus experiences foster belonging, which directly supports student success, persistence, and retention.
Her passion for the field began during her own undergraduate experience as a highly involved student leader in campus activities and orientation programs. Inspired by a mentor who introduced her to student affairs as a career, Dr. Bates has dedicated her professional life to creating impactful student experiences and mentoring emerging professionals. Outside of her work, she enjoys running, reading, traveling, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She is also actively involved with Girls on the Run, reflecting her commitment to youth development and community engagement.
• Certified in DISC Assessment
• Grand Canyon University
Doctor of Education - EdD, Organizational Leadership
• Nova Southeastern University
M.S., College Student Affairs
• Methodist University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Mass Communication/Journalism
• National Association for Campus Activities
• Chair of Board of Directors
• Girls on the Run
• Board Member
• Girls on the Run
• National Association for Campus Activities
What do you attribute your success to?
I have a very strong family background, and so my grandmother and my parents have always supported me and pushed me to the next thing. I attribute a lot of my success to them, and to wanting to make them proud, but then also, they instilled the drive in me to know that I can do anything that I want to do. I really took that to heart, and sometimes it has made them a little nervous, and they don't always understand what I'm doing, but they've always supported me and been really excited about the path that I've taken and the journeys that I've been on. A lot of my success is because I've had that foundational support from my family, and also just the drive to want to continue to make them proud.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think it's important for them to know that they are not just quote-unquote anything. You're not just your title, you're not just a coordinator or a director. You have power in your roles, and there's power in the language you use to describe your work. So go in with confidence, and be able to definitively talk about why this work is so important.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities—and challenges—in higher education right now is creating a true sense of belonging for students. We know that belonging directly impacts persistence and retention, so institutions must be intentional about how they design student experiences. At the same time, we have a responsibility to invest in training, developing, and mentoring newer student affairs professionals to ensure the field continues to grow and evolve in meaningful ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the core of both my personal and professional life are values of family, growth, and impact. My family continues to be a source of motivation and grounding for me. I also value travel, as it broadens my perspective and informs how I approach my work. Professionally, I am deeply committed to fostering belonging for students and creating environments where they can thrive. I’m equally passionate about instilling confidence in young girls through organizations like Girls on the Run, helping them see their potential early and often.