1946
Born in Dallas, Texas to Robert N. and Wanda June Cates.
1968
Receives a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University and becomes a teacher for Beeville Independent School District.
1969
Becomes a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.
1975
Marries Sue Anne Sadler.
1976
Receives a Master of Education from Texas Tech University.
1981
Receives a Master of Arts from Sul Ross State University and becomes a teaching assistant at Texas Tech University.
1982
Becomes a teacher for Levelland Independent School District.
1986
Receives a Doctor of Education from Texas Tech University and becomes an assistant professor at West Texas State University.
1989
Becomes an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina.
1992
Serves as director of the Center for Excellence in Special Education Technical at the University of South Carolina.
1995
Becomes an associate professor at Cameron University.
2000
Promoted to full professor at Cameron University.
2006
Becomes a pastor at United Methodist Church.
2008
Receives a Master of Divinity from the Perkins School of Theology.
2013
Becomes a pastor at Christ United Methodist.