Dr. Jeffrey H Coats is a native of the Gulf Coast of Alabama. He began his interest in a college at Auburn University and credits the opportunities available to him and the mentorship on that campus for the person he is today. Dr. Coats is a student advocate at heart and has dedicated his career to engaging students and fostering an environment of holistic learning. Dr. Coats has been a professor on the undergraduate and graduate level for over 25 years having taught at First Year Seminar at Auburn University, Bowling Green University, and for the past 8 years at Appalachian State University.
During Dr. Coats' tenure at Appalachian State University, he has been awarded several awards most notably the Brantz Award for Outstanding Teaching in the First Year Seminar (2023-2024); he was also selected as One of the Most Helpful Professors (2021) selected by over 5,000 first-year students voting. In addition, he was a Finalist for Most Outstanding Alumni in the College of Education, Auburn University (2022-2023), his alma mater.
He views his role as a professor and teacher to help students critically think for themselves. He loves teaching undergraduate students, particularly first-year students and loves the enthusiasm first-year and undergraduate students bring to campus. His passion is helping students grow and/or develop their critical thinking skills and grow holistically through an academic perspective.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Coats is a researcher and often blends the curriculum in his classes with his published works. Dr. Coats always has one if not multiple research projects going on at the same time. He also loves to share his knowledge and life experiences with his students.
He is a consultant on a wide variety of leadership, business, and higher education topics. He is also a member of several national professional academic associations where he served on the National Association of Campus Activities Education Advisory Committee. Dr. Coats served as the Faculty/Chapter Advisor for a National Fraternity chapter at Auburn University for several years where he was awarded Chapter Advisor of the Year. He has also led numerous leadership retreats with students across the country.
In addition, to being a Professor, Dr. Coats has served as an Associate Provost and Dean of Students at multiple institutions, but his passion lies within the classroom.
Before entering a career in higher education, Dr. Coats worked for two different Governors (one Governor from each major party) in the state of Alabama Legislative and Youth Affairs Division. He also worked on Capitol Hill.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Rebecca Coats, and their dog, Beacon, hiking the beautiful Appalachians. Drs. Coats loves to travel, read, and spend time with their nephew and niece as often as possible.
