Becky Gates

Mrs. Becky Gates

Rebecca Wilkie Gates grew up in a military family residing in several states before returning to her parents’ home state of Washington. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University with a major in history and a minor in English. She was awarded a master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Indiana University.

After graduation, Becky Gates moved to Denver where she accepted a position as Director of Student Activities and Directory of Residence Hall Programs at Colorado Woman’s College. She later served as Assistant to the Dean of Women at Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg.

After moving to the Washington, D.C. area, Mrs. Gates worked as an admissions consultant at the founding of Federal City College which is now part of the University of the District of Columbia. Following this position, she joined American University in Washington as an Assistant Director of Student Activities.

In 1970, she began a 24-year career at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, where she held several positions, including Coordinator of Student Activities, Counselor, Coordinator of Non-Credit Adult Education Programs and a Business Division Faculty member teaching software programs, she retired from Northern Virginia in 1994.

While at Texas A&M University Mrs. Gates was involved in many activities. She became immediately involved with the TAMU Women’s Club and the Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs. She was an honorary president of both organizations and was an honorary member of the Texas A&M Extension Service Club, serving and supporting all three of these groups in their activities.

Due to Becky Gates’ extensive background in student services, she was heavily involved with Aggies. She enjoyed judging student competitions, attending student events and was often seen at Aggie sporting events for both men and women. She has been named honorary coach for the women’s basketball and softball teams.

One of the most enjoyable activities for Mrs. Gates has been hosting student groups in the President’s home. Some of these groups include the Executive MBA Women, the Diamond Darlings, Leadership Brazos, and sororities. She also initiated a program to display the art of students and faculty in the President’s home.

Mrs. Gates currently resides with her husband, Robert Gates, in Washington state. She still remains involved in the center, and plays an advisory role as well as visiting from time to time.

Our building is named for Mrs. Gates thanks to a generous endowment from Dorothy and Artie McFerrin ’65.