WSSU educator, Dr. Fran Oates, celebrates 50 years in classroom and as college graduate during same year
This is a special year for Dr. Fran Bates Oates, who has 50 reasons to celebrate.
This year marks her 50th anniversary as an educator and is also her 50th class reunion at Winston-Salem State University as a member of the Class of 1974.
Oates said she is passionate about teaching and has fulfilled her life’s calling educating others. Her career began at WSSU in 2006 as an adjunct, which led to her becoming the Elementary Educator Program coordinator, where she taught and supervised more than 200 student teachers. From 2015-2019, she directed the Office of Field and Clinical Experiences. During her tenure, she was also an advisor of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators, of which WSSU boasted a state officer each year, she said.
Prior to WSSU, Oates served from 1974-2006 with Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of professional development. Throughout her career, Oates said her greatest memories were serving as a kindergarten teacher and earning her Doctor of Educational Leadership degree.
Currently, she is an adjunct professor at WSSU in addition to serving as executive director of the Union CDC STEAM and READ program in Winston-Salem.
On Sept. 5, Oates celebrated her 50 years in education with a reception at the Anderson Center, surrounded by students, former educators and community leaders.
“Dr. Oates is not just an educator here, but she embodies that with her life,” said Bishop Sir Walter Mack Jr., pastor of Union Baptist Church. Turning to the students, Mack said if you want to learn something from Oates, “know that education is not something you pick up and put down. It covers a multi-spectrum.”
Jadah Tolson, a WSSU sophomore elementary education major, said Oates’ passion for education is obvious. “She gives very good advice. She is more than a professor here. She is a friend. She is a mentor. She is very helpful.”
Her passion for teaching doesn’t stop in the classroom, said WSSU junior Ja’Liyah Colson. “She has lifelong relationships with her students.”
That was evident as people gave remarks one-by-one during the reception about the impact Oates has had on their lives, including WSSU Director of Alumni Engagement Thesha Woodley, who presented Oates with a gift on behalf of the Office of Alumni Engagement.
“As an alumna, it gives me a great deal of joy, gratitude and pride to teach on my 50th anniversary as an educator in the department from which I graduated and during my 50th WSSU college reunion,” Oates said. “I am dedicated to my alma mater, and I want to see the Department of Education at WSSU be the greatest.”
She is looking forward to donning the gold robe for her 50th reunion, connecting with classmates and relishing in all that the celebration offers.
Though she says she is “retired,” she is still working, teaching, leading, speaking and consulting. “I will do it until I can’t,” she said.
“I am so honored to still be able to serve,” Oates said. “For I so loved the children, that I want my legacy to be that I followed the plan God had for me to serve them to reach their highest good. I know it was the right career because I love teaching so much, and it gave me the greatest joy. I want students to carry on my legacy of levels of excellence, my legacy for celebration to go on, and my love for teaching to go on for generations to come.”
