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Nickey Yates Named September Scholar of the Month

This article also appears in the September issue of Scholars Report, a monthly e-newsletter for and about the AACTE Holmes Program. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of AACTE.

Congratulations to Nickey F. Yates Sr., Holmes Scholar of the Month for September!

Yates is a doctoral candidate in the Ph.D. program in educational leadership at Florida A&M University. His research interests include Black superintendents’ engagement with White community constituents, PK-12 environments, and racial issues in education.


Yates, whom I met 3 years ago, astonishes me with his altruistic and sincere character. He is a colleague who exemplifies teamwork and who takes special care to value differing backgrounds and points of view. His leadership ethics and values are visible through his actions of service and support.

During fellow Holmes Scholars’ comprehensive exam preparation period, for example, Yates used his personal time to provide tutoring sessions, free of charge. He has collaborated with other doctoral candidates at Florida A&M University, exchanged ideas, and helped them advance through their scholarly journeys. Always passionate to make a difference and always fighting for a great cause to improve education, Yates embodies all the principles of the Holmes Scholars Program at Florida A&M University.

Yates previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 23 years, including the last 15 as an infantry officer. He holds a B.A. in political science from Illinois State University and a master’s in applied social science in public administration from Florida A&M University.

Want to nominate a Scholar of the Month? Complete this form.


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Olimpia Tilles

Florida A&M University