Anthropology

at Northern Kentucky University

T. Eric Bates

headshot

Part-time Instructor
NKU Anthropology Alumni Association President

Curriculum Vitae

Northern Kentucky University
Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Philosophy
216 Landrum Academic Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099

Phone: (859) 572-6112
FAX: (859) 572-6086

Email: primary address

 

Academic Degrees

M.A. Northern Kentucky University
B.S. Northern Kentucky University
B.A. Northern Kentucky University

Courses

ANT 230 North American Indians
ANT 231 Modern American Indians

Research Interests

Cultural anthropology; Native North America; contemporary Native Americans and Christianity; ethnicity; Appalachia; cultural and social geography.

Current Research

fieldwork

My graduate research focused on a group of evangelical Native Americans expressing their Native identity through a theological practice described as critical contextualization. The ethnographic data I collected show that elements of contextualized ministry, such as wearing Native regalia during church services, using indigenous instruments for worship, and employing other forms of Native expression in the services, facilitate and maintain their ethnic identity as indigenous peoples. In pursuit of my research interests, I have worked with such groups as the Blackfeet Indians of Montana, various Native groups in Alaska and Oklahoma, and the Poarch Creek Indians of Alabama.

I am currently working a book that will include a collection of miraculous healings among Appalachian people. My family roots run deep in Appalachia, and it is with great excitement that I will able to share these stories that have been handed down in my family.

Accolades

2005-06 
Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, NKU.
2003
Outstanding Student in Geography, NKU.
2002-03 
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Community Christian Academy.

Selected Publications

In progress 
Appalachian Miracles: Stories of Divine Healing and Restoration.
2006
Native American Identity, Christianity, and Critical Contextualization. M.A. thesis, Northern Kentucky University.