Robert Gates, Ph.D., was born at the Army Hospital at Fort Lee in Petersburg, Virginia. His early years were spent in Newport News, Virginia, where his father worked as an engineer at NACA—the forerunner to NASA. Because of his father’s career, the family moved several times, spending a few years outside of Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Robert returned to Virginia for college and earned a Bachelor of Science in physics from the Virginia Military Institute. After graduation, he began his career as an aeroengineer for General Electric (GE). While at GE, he earned a master’s degree in engineering science from Penn State and met his wife, Beverly, in Philadelphia.

Robert and Beverly moved back to Virginia, where he began a long and rewarding career as a physicist with the Navy. Over the course of more than 40 years of service, he earned a master’s degree in political science and a Ph.D. in public administration from Virginia Tech, as well as graduating from the Naval War College.

Service to others has been a consistent theme throughout Robert’s life. For the past 22 years, he has represented his county on the local community college board and later served as president of the Educational Foundation board. His volunteer work also includes service on the local library board, the County Board of Zoning Appeals, and multiple church boards and committees. Robert and his wife have also given back through philanthropy. Among their philanthropic priorities is supporting Phi Kappa Phi, along with other nonprofit organizations. Together, they endowed a scholarship at their local community college, and their contributions were recognized when they received the Virginia Community College System Philanthropy Award.

Let’s get to know Robert!

How did your early experiences influence your career path and leadership roles?
My Father's WWII service and his work on the nation's early missile and space programs had a big influence on me. My goals were to serve in the Air Force and work as an engineer. The first didn't happen but it was a big reason that I worked as a civilian for the Navy for more than 40 years. VMI really shaped me in a number of ways and made me the man and leader that I became.

What were some key roles or experiences that shaped your career?
Getting laid off by GE after only being married for 5 months had a big effect! However, it resulted in my coming home to Virginia and a job that I loved. Moving up to leadership opportunities, ultimately as the technical director of a navy laboratory, taught me about leadership every step of the way. I've applied those lessons in other aspects of my life outside of work.

What guidance would you offer students preparing to enter the professional world?
Be open to the possibilities! Prepare yourself and take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. The details of my career look a little random but, in the end, they added up to a unique knowledge set that prepared me for higher level jobs.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
It's obviously an honor and has allowed me to connect with others and learn from them. It's also an acknowledgement of my academic growth from a lackluster undergraduate to an accomplished graduate student.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I come across as a pretty serious guy. When my son was young, some of his friends thought I was intimidating. Close friends see that I'm actually pretty laid back and have a light-hearted side. When I was younger, I was deathly afraid of public speaking. My job required me to do it and I did. I discovered that I could do it and over the years have done it a lot, both for work and outside of work.

Where is the most incredible place you traveled to?
I liked Ireland and England but recently my wife and I have taken road trips so that I could present papers at the Missouri Conference on History. We've been to a number of places that we liked, including San Antonio, Memphis, and New Orleans. When I was working, I got to travel a good bit and really like New Mexico, San Francisco, Colorado Springs, Charleston, and Cape Canaveral. It's impossible to pick a favorite!

What are your hobbies?
My wife and I started riding horses after I retired. Playing golf has been a big part of my life. I've always been a voracious reader and, now in retirement, a writer. I've had 20 or so history papers published and presented papers at 6 conferences and spoken to a number of community groups.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I'm not sure that it was ever spoken but learning some lessons from my father and grandfather comes to mind. They showed me how to be a responsible, respectful, and honorable person. I also had several bosses who put their faith in me and showed me that I was able to do things I didn't know I could.

To learn more about Robert and connect, visit his profile within our online member community here.

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to news@phikappaphi.org, and include background information for the nomination.