Doug and Kathy Yates

Doug Yates attended Eastern Montana College from 1964-1968. After graduating from Harlowton High School, Harlowton, Mont., Yates served four years in the U.S. Air Force and then enrolled at Eastern.

In a time before financial aid was available, Yates had enough money for exactly one term of college and no idea what to do when his savings ran out. Fortunately, he was hired midterm to be a resident assistant in Apsaruke Hall and then in Rimrock Hall, earning his room and board. Combined with a $100 a month GI benefit, Yates had the funds to continue and graduate.

While attending Eastern, Yates was the junior and senior class president, and he served as President of Kappa Phi Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most selective multidisciplinary collegiate honor society. Yates loved being involved and immersed in college life, a passion that would guide his later career.

Yates went on to earn his master’s and Doctor of Education in higher education administration. He then spent his entire career working at universities in Oregon. Yates said he could not have done it without the excellent education he received at Eastern Montana College.

In 2021, Yates determined it was time to help other students in need. Yates described his EMC education and experiences with great professors and deans as transformative. He hopes that this scholarship will help transform lives, too.