Dr. Alicia Bates

Dr. Alicia Bates is a higher education leader, global educator, and unapologetic advocate for the transformative power of campus activities and belonging. With over 15 years of experience, she challenges institutions to move beyond transactional programming and toward experiences that foster belonging, leadership, and identity development.

She specializes in turning vision into strategy and strategy into results—helping institutions and professionals move from ideas to intentional action through thoughtful design, strategic planning, and meaningful engagement.

Her work spans student affairs, student engagement, strategic planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, where she has led initiatives that align institutional priorities with student-centered outcomes. Her international experience in Qatar and across the United States has shaped her global perspective and reinforced her belief that meaningful engagement transcends geography, culture, and context.

A certified DISC practitioner, Dr. Bates partners with teams to strengthen communication, improve collaboration, and cultivate positive, high-functioning environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. Her approach supports teams in understanding themselves and one another, leading to more intentional interactions and more effective outcomes.

Dr. Bates is a long-time volunteer and leader with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), where she has served in multiple capacities, including as Board Chair. Through her service, she has contributed to the organization’s growth, strengthened its national presence, and deepened its impact across higher education. Her leadership has supported NACA’s ongoing commitment to engagement, inclusion, and advancing student-centered practices that drive institutional success.

Grounded in both scholarship and practice, Dr. Bates brings a research-informed, data-driven approach to her work. She earned her doctorate in education, with research examining gender and race/ethnicity differences in attitudes toward social media use for student affairs professional development. Her work reflects a commitment to understanding how technology, identity, and equity intersect to shape professional growth and organizational effectiveness. By bridging research and practice, she translates complex insights into actionable strategies that inform decision-making, strengthen engagement, and support more inclusive, forward-thinking environments.

What distinguishes Dr. Bates is her ability to translate insight into action. She helps institutions and professionals move from vision to execution—building cultures of belonging, empowerment, and purpose. A sought-after facilitator and thought leader, she presents nationally and internationally on topics including student engagement, leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational change. Her sessions are known for their honesty, humor, and actionable insight, challenging audiences to think critically and act intentionally.

At the core of her work is a commitment to people. Dr. Bates is deeply invested in mentoring and supporting professionals across the field, with a particular focus on uplifting women and leaders of color in higher education. She is committed to expanding access, amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring campus activities remain inclusive, impactful, and future-focused.

Through ANB Endeavors, Dr. Bates partners with individuals and institutions ready to move beyond ideas and into intentional action—so students, professionals, and institutions can thrive.