Dale Cates, a John Tyler graduate, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and his lifetime all-level Science Teacher Certification in 1976 from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1983 he earned his Masters of Science from the University of Texas at Tyler and completed 72 post-graduate hours at Texas A&M Commerce.
Mr. Cates has taught many different subjects in a variety of settings. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, West Africa from 1977—1979 where he taught math, science, and English. While in Liberia, he also served as a Community Development Specialist. He taught biology, physics, and chemistry at Gorman High School from 1980—1983 and at Whitehouse High School from 1983—1988. During this time he also taught biology as an adjunct instructor at Tyler Junior College. From 1988—2012, he was an instructor at Trinity Valley Community College where he taught Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nutrition, and an on-line course in Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology. In 2012 Mr. Cates began teaching full-time at Tyler Junior College.
Mr. Cates has received several awards. In 2000 while serving as a Phi Theta Kappa Iota advisor, he was given the Robe Giles Distinguished Advisor International Award, the Paragon International Award, the Regional Horizon Award, and was inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for Advisors. Outside of work he has volunteered with both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. During his 24 years of volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, he has received the 2013 Trailblazer award, the 2008 Appreciation Pin, and was a 2004 Outstanding Volunteer. He was a two-time Boy Scout trail leader at Philmont.
