Eric Bates - Cohort Ph.D. Learner

As a pastor, Eric Bates has devoted his life to giving back.  Whether he is planning inner-city ministry, managing food drives, or organizing youth outreach programs, his purpose is simple:  to make a difference in the life of others.

“I find it rewarding to return blessings to others,” he says. “I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, a son (and another baby on the way), a great job, family, and friends. It’s great to give back to others since I have experienced so many blessings.”

Eric’s blessings have also been motivators; when Eric sought new ways to challenge himself and develop his talents, his family urged him to return to his education.

“Our family includes three teachers, and we all have degrees. Union was the perfect institution for me [to earn an advanced degree] because I could continue to work full-time. I also loved the interdisciplinary aspect of the program.”

After studying anthropology and speech communication in his undergraduate program, Eric earned a Master of Arts in liberal studies at Northern Kentucky University. Themes of religion, ethnomusicology, and Native American culture permeated his studies throughout his undergraduate and graduate career, as well, bridging seemingly disparate disciplines with a foundation of critical thinking and creativity.

Now enrolled in the Cohort Ph.D. program at Union, Eric has discovered even more ways to merge his academic background with his career and future dreams. And, with a concentration in humanities and a focus on Native American studies, his Union coursework promises to fulfill Union’s vision in very tangible ways.

“I hope to enlighten the general American public on the struggles of Native Americans, both historically and contemporaneously,” Eric says. “Union’s emphasis on civic service and engaging differences allows me to apply my studies to these real-world social issues.”