E. FRANCIS BATES, SR.


This popular Lott Carey Mission (LCM) student entered LCM in 1966, hailing from the City of Careysburg, Liberia. E. Francis Bates was well-known because he was a star soccer player who was the goalie (goal keeper) of the Lions Soccer Team. Before his graduation in 1970, his talents took him beyond academics and soccer. Francis resonated with the celebrated Lott Carey Choir and the school’s choral group, the Lott Carey Messengers. But his most memorable time on campus as he relates, was “Class Night,” because Francis had some challenging administrative experiences as a boarding student. He considered ‘Class Night” a reprieve; it was then he knew for certain that he was graduating and leaving those trials behind.

After LCM, E. Francis Bates enrolled in the Kakata Teachers Training Institute (KRTTI) of Liberia and upon completion, he was assigned to Kingsville Public School, a K- 6 elementary school in Kingsville, Liberia as a teacher. He later became its principal. It was under his leadership that the school was elevated to a senior high school status. After six years as principal, Francis left Kingsville to accept a position with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs of Liberia in the Division of Demographics as Field Supervisor. After this stretch, he decided to pursue an education in criminology and enrolled in Central Piedmont Community College and later, Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he earned his BS in Criminology. Upon graduation, he accepted a position as General Manger of Bonnie Noel and Falcoln Holdings, managing several restaurants. He returned home to Liberia in 1985 to utilize his knowledge and experience in criminology and was employed with the Liberia National Police as Deputy CID Commander, Central Depot One, until 1994. As a result of the Liberian civil war, he departed for the United States and was fortunate to return to his former employers, Bonnie Noel and Falcoln Holdings. While practicing his management skills, he found time to obtain an Associate’s degree in Computer Information System from ECPI University, Richmond, VA. Francis retired in 2014.

Where Is E. Francis Bates, Sr. Now?

Francis and his wife live in Richmond, VA which serves as headquarter for his security company, Elite Protective Services that operates in Liberia. He is President and CEO. His life’s philosophy is serving humanity which is reflected in his community involvement. He is president emeritus of the Liberian Association of Virginia (LAVA) and now serves as a member of its Board of Directors.