Dr. Michael Moates

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Professor Michael Moates Ed.D., LBA, QBA, CEAP
Born	Michael Moates United States
Citizenship	United States of America
Education	Herzing University - Master of Science in Nursing (In progress)
Alma mater	Fielding Graduate University; Liberty University; Tarleton State University
Occupations	Educator, Researcher, Mental Health Professional
Years active	2010–present
Employers	University of the People (former); Crosspoint University (former)s
Organizations	Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate; American Psychological Associations
Known for	Leadership studies, behavioral health, neurodiversity research
Notable work	The Intersection of Psychology and Technology; Navigating the Path
Title	Professor of Psychology
Awards	Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Michael Moates, Ed.D. is an American educator, researcher, and mental health professional whose work spans higher education, behavioral health, leadership studies, and public service. His career has included academic teaching, clinical and behavioral health leadership, policy commentary, journalism, and institutional consulting. Moates is known for interdisciplinary work at the intersection of psychology, education, neurodiversity, and public systems, with particular emphasis on trauma-informed care, leadership development, and evidence-based practice in educational and clinical settings.

Early life and education

Michael Moates pursued an interdisciplinary academic path focused on psychology, education, and leadership development. He earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership from Fielding Graduate University, where his doctoral work examined the use of spontaneous hypnosis as an adjunct to emergency medical care. His research explored how cognitive and behavioral interventions could support first responders and medical professionals in high-stress environments. During his doctoral studies, he completed extensive graduate-level coursework in psychology and served as a dissertation committee reader for doctoral candidates.

Following his doctoral studies, Moates undertook postdoctoral training in neurodiversity through the Institute for Social Innovation at Fielding Graduate University. His academic training also includes graduate study in nursing, human services counseling, interdisciplinary studies, and education. He has completed multiple master’s degrees across these fields, reflecting a focus on both clinical and systems-level approaches to health, education, and leadership.

His undergraduate education included coursework in psychology, communications, biology, and criminal justice, providing a multidisciplinary foundation that informed his later professional and scholarly work. Throughout his academic career, Moates has emphasized applied learning, research-informed practice, and the integration of behavioral science into real-world professional environments.

Academic and teaching career

Moates has served as an adjunct professor and instructional designer in higher education, teaching courses in psychology, sociology, leadership, communication, and organizational behavior. At University of the People, he taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including introduction to psychology, emotional intelligence, leadership, organizational behavior, professional communication, and online education strategies. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and practical application of theory.

In addition to teaching, Moates has worked extensively in instructional design, developing curriculum in psychology, education, business, and behavioral science. His work has focused on building accessible, outcomes-based coursework aligned with accreditation standards and adult learning theory. He has contributed to course development initiatives aimed at improving learner engagement, assessment quality, and instructional coherence across online learning platforms.

Moates has also participated in academic peer review and doctoral education initiatives, including service as a reviewer for the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate. His academic service reflects a broader interest in improving doctoral education, professional practice alignment, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Clinical and behavioral health work

In parallel with his academic career, Moates has held leadership and clinical support roles in behavioral health and mental health services. He has worked in employee assistance programs, clinical assessment environments, and behavioral health organizations providing evidence-based support, treatment planning, and crisis intervention.

His professional background includes certification and licensure as a behavior analyst, with additional credentials in trauma-informed care, crisis prevention, and applied behavioral analysis. He has worked with diverse populations and has specialized training in psychological assessment, behavioral intervention, and mental health stabilization in both clinical and organizational settings.

Moates has also served in executive leadership roles within healthcare organizations, overseeing program development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and service expansion. His work has included partnerships with national mental health platforms and community-based organizations to improve access to behavioral health services.

Journalism, communications, and public engagement

Earlier in his career, Moates worked as a journalist and communications professional, including service as a White House correspondent. In this role, he covered federal policy, executive branch activity, and national political developments, conducting interviews and producing investigative and analytical reporting. His work included coverage of public policy, healthcare, and governmental decision-making, as well as multimedia reporting and public affairs analysis.

He later served in senior communications roles for nonprofit and public organizations, directing media relations, public messaging, and strategic communications. His responsibilities included crisis communication, press relations, policy messaging, and organizational branding.

Research and publications

Moates has authored and contributed to scholarly and professional literature addressing psychology, leadership, education, and public policy. His writing has appeared in academic journals, professional publications, and national media outlets.

His work frequently explores the intersection of psychology and technology, leadership in crisis environments, mental health education, and trauma-informed practice. He has also authored policy submissions and academic commentaries addressing behavioral health access, education reform, and emergency response systems.

Public service and professional involvement

Moates has served in leadership and advisory roles across educational, healthcare, and professional organizations. He has participated in accreditation review, academic policy development, and national professional initiatives related to education and behavioral health.

He has held memberships in professional organizations including the American Psychological Association, the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, Omicron Delta Kappa, and several interdisciplinary professional societies.

Honors and recognition

Moates has received multiple awards recognizing his contributions to education and public service, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for lifetime achievement. His work has been recognized for its impact on community engagement, academic leadership, and professional development.

Research interests

His research interests include neurodiversity, behavioral health, leadership theory, trauma-informed care, emergency response, higher education pedagogy, and applied psychology in organizational settings.

See also

• Behavioral psychology
• Educational leadership
• Neurodiversity
• Applied behavior analysis
• Mental health education