Stephen Bates

Background

About Stephen Bates

Senior Development Director Stephen Bates leaves MSU after 15 years He’s literally raised millions of dollars for the Michigan State University College of Engineering, helping to spur on many of the college’s noteworthy academic achievements and construction projects in recent years. Stephen Bates, the senior director of development and alumni relations, is set to retire from the college. Engineering Dean Leo Kempel said Bates has been an important part of the college’s growth and success for the last 15 years. “We’re going to miss Stephen,” Kempel said. “He has been a dedicated and valued leader in our college and at our university. I have always appreciated his professionalism and desire to help advance our mission. During his tenure at MSU, he has made a positive difference on behalf of our faculty, staff and students. He taught me many important and useful aspects of philanthropy and made me a better dean.” During his time at MSU, Bates expanded the College of Engineering development and alumni relations team, raised $114 million during the MSU capital campaign that ended in 2018, and helped secure funding for 22 new endowed faculty positions (more than any other academic unit on campus) and 46 endowed scholarships and fellowships. Additionally, his efforts raised $25 million for the college’s fundraising priorities in the past year alone. Prior to joining MSU, Bates held positions at the University of Michigan including working on behalf of the University Musical Society, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and the School of Education. He has also served as an associate vice president of the Eastern Michigan University Foundation and on the boards of local arts and social service organizations."It's been a privilege to represent the college and get to know so many interesting and generous alumni,” Bates said. “Listening to alums tell their story has been wonderful – from engineering innovations implemented under fire during D-Day, to quieter but still revolutionary new computer products to watching a company grow from a simple idea with four employees into a national brand name – it's been an exciting journey. “And I've had the best possible companions on that journey with the team in the office and the incredible leadership from Satish Udpa and Leo Kempel. As deans, they provided the vision, focus, energy, and personal affability that allowed our fundraising efforts to be so successful,” he added.