SFCC’s Doctor Brent Bates to Retire
After a distinguished career spanning almost 40 years in higher education, State Fair Community College President Dr. Brent Bates has formally announced his decision to retire.
Dr. Bates will step down Dec. 31, 2026, marking the end of a transformative four-year tenure as SFCC’s sixth president.
“I have had the privilege of a fulfilling career in higher education, highlighted by serving as president of State Fair Community College,” said Dr. Bates. “In the coming year, I am committed to advancing the goals of our strategic plan as the college undertakes a search for its next president.”
The college’s Board of Trustees will partner with an external organization to conduct a nationwide search for the college’s next president. Board of Trustees President Patty Wood expressed her gratitude for Dr. Bates’ service and ensured a smooth transition built on the foundation established during his tenure.
“On behalf of the SFCC Board of Trustees, past and present employees, students and the entire SFCC community, we sincerely thank Dr. Bates for his unwavering commitment to State Fair Community College as our sixth president,” said Wood. “His steadfast belief in the importance of education, its value for students and the mission of the college has made an incredible difference in all our lives, leaving a lasting impact throughout the communities we serve.”
“The strong foundation, genuine relationships and amazing teams he has built provide us with great confidence in the future success of SFCC,” added Wood. “Now it is time for Dr. Bates to pursue the enrichment of his own life, just as he has enriched countless other lives.”
Dr. Brent Bates joined SFCC in 2002 as vice president of educational services and chief academic officer, overseeing academic and technical credit and noncredit programs and athletics. He later assumed responsibility for student and academic support services. During his tenure in these roles, SFCC was recognized as one of the top 50 fastest-growing midsized public community colleges in the nation for two consecutive years. He led major expansions in distance learning, launched new campus operations at the Lake of the Ozarks, Clinton and Boonville, and implemented a student success model that provides each student with a Navigator.
Dr. Bates became president of SFCC on July 1, 2022. Since then, he has led a $60 million expansion of facilities and programming to support workforce development, including a successful $20 million capital campaign for a new agriculture and mechanics training facility. SFCC also opened a new campus site in Jefferson City, Mo., on the campus of Lincoln University, and a campus office in Benton County. These investments have contributed to a 20 percent enrollment increase over three years.
“It has been such an honor working with extremely talented faculty and staff, dedicated SFCC Board of Trustees members and committed community leaders throughout our service region,” said Bates. “I love State Fair Community College, but it is time to pass the baton to the next leader.”
More From AM 1050 KSIS
