Mary Hester-Clifton | UAPB Communications
Pine Bluff, AR — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) mourns the loss of a valued and talented member of the Pride. On Friday, July 8, 2022, we learned of the passing of Dr. Michael J Bates. Our beloved Dr. Bates, UAPB Professor, and Vesper Choir Director Emeritus, began working at UAPB on August 15, 1977, as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Music. Dr. Bates would spend the next forty-one years deeply entrenched in the music and choral activities of UAPB and the state of Arkansas. While he began as an Assistant Professor of Music, he would eventually teach multiple courses, including Music History, Music Theory, and Music Appreciation.
In 1999, he was appointed as Director of the UAPB Vesper Choir and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2018. According to UAPB Chancellor Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, “Dr. Bates was a musician and choir director extraordinaire. For decades, he devoted himself to preparing students for the highest level of achievement in performances by the Vesper Choir. Dr. Bates seriously wanted his students in the choir to have an international experience as well. So, he assumed the responsibility of raising funds and making plans to take the choir on trips abroad. While Dr. Bates was best known for directing the choir, we also experienced his gentle and caring style as a professor, music department chair, and president of the Faculty and Staff Senate. He had a tremendous influence on the entire UAPB community, the local community, the state, and beyond.” The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees conferred upon him the title of Professor and Vesper Choir Director Emeritus when he retired on June 30, 2018.
During his tenure at UAPB, the choir raised over a million dollars in funds and performed in 23 states and overseas in Spain and Italy. While employed by UAPB, Dr. Bates continued to enjoy success as a solo performer and figure within the music community of Arkansas.
We echo the sentiments of Mr. Jerron Liddell, current UAPB Vesper Choir Director, regarding Dr. Bates. “We will never forget Dr. Bates’ tremendous impact on the Vesper Choir, the University, and the Pine Bluff community. Doc was an amazing musician, director, and overall person. I am grateful to have called him my mentor and friend. I don’t believe that most people truly understand how much of a family the Vesper Choir is and continues to be, even across four generations of leadership. As families do, we will pull together, support each other, and remember and celebrate a man who has given so much of himself to so many. Doc’s legacy will continue to live through each of us.”
We extend our prayers and thoughts to his family, friends, colleagues, students, organizations, and communities inspired by his abilities and contributions. We will share information on services and arrangements as it becomes available.
UAPB News 
Dr. Bates was my piano teacher there.
I was one of his first students after he arrived on campus. He taught me thru my Senior Performance Recital in March, 1982. He was an outstanding classically trained musician. I learned so much under under his guidance & musical supervision.
I had a class with him and he wasn’t to keen on me because he said if you want to play piano…you can’t just “PICK IT UP”…you got to do it with formal lessons…He was right but I ignored him….I still regret this today 😞😞😞😞
I have an appreciation for the gospel music genre and a special appreciation for those who are not hoarse after service. I enjoy the annual visits to the City of Camden, AR. God’s speed to a minstrel who will be remembered for his spirit of excellence.
Already missing Dr Bates. Such a loving person
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My deepest condolences to Dr Bates family and friends. He was a colleague and friend to my Dad. Pamela Porter
Loved you, Dr. Bates!
My daughter, Michele was
My daughter Michele A. Vaughn was in the Vesper Choir under the direction of Dr. Michael Bates throughout her college years at UAPB. He was a great choir director and person. The choir was on Spring Tour in 1999 and stopped in Indianapolis Indiana at our request and the UAPB Indianapolis Alumni Chapter. They performed at Arlington High School where Michele graduated and at Eastern star Church. They did Amazing performances! The lives Dr. Michael Bates touched will never be forgotten.
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Dr. Bates was an outstanding pianist. I studied under him my first year in college. Though I transferred from UAPB, I absolutely missed his tutelage. I witnessed Dr. Bates play a Chopin Etude with just his left hand and then get on that church organ on Sunday morning and wear it out! He was a very kind man and had a beautiful soul. R.I.P. kind Sir!
LOVE NEVER Dies….MISS YOU DR. MICHAEL JULIAN BATES.