Dr. Michelle Bates serves as the Interim Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director and Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Fayetteville State University (FSU). A proud FSU alumna, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Social Work degrees from the university before completing her Ph.D. in Social Work at Walden University. Since joining FSU in 2017 as an adjunct instructor, Dr. Bates has held several leadership roles, including serving as the MSW Director of Practicum Education from 2021 to 2023. She is committed to advancing social work education, student success, and community engagement through teaching, leadership, and mentorship. In 2023–2024, Dr. Bates was selected as a Baylor College of Medicine All of Us Biomedical Research Scholar, where her research focused on uterine fibroid outcomes. Her broader research interests include health disparities, self-efficacy, and factors that influence well-being across diverse populations. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Dr. Bates brings extensive experience from federal and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and clinical practice. Her professional expertise enriches her work as an educator, researcher, and mentor. Dr. Bates has received numerous honors for her contributions to teaching, service, and scholarship, including being named the FSU School of Social Work’s Teacher of the Year (2023–2024), Service Award Recipient (2024–2025), and Academician of the Year (2025–2026). She was also recognized as one of the Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under 40 honorees in 2023. A lifelong learner and advocate for academic excellence, Dr. Bates is passionate about preparing the next generation of social workers and researchers. Outside of academia, she enjoys traveling with her family, volunteering in her community, and pursuing opportunities for personal and professional growth.