Lauren has been married to her husband, Gene, for 27 years. They serve together in their communities and across the globe helping people find their purpose and discover their strengths. Lauren has a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree for science in human services, both from Wayland Baptist University. She is also a candidate for Doctor of Public Health at Walden University. Lauren is an ordained minister, and she is a member of the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening (ANGA), as well as a member of the American Public Health Association.

Mr. Bates is an international lawyer, mediator, educator, intercultural communication consultant and trainer with over 20 years of experience in the international arena. He is currently Assistant Professor in the School of International Service, and a former Director of the Chile/Argentina Summer Law Program for the Washington College of Law. Prof. Bates was the founder and Academic Director for American University’s Washington Semester Program in International Law and Organizations. With the assistance of the Washington Semester Program staff, Mr. Bates developed the International Law and Organizations Program into one of the most successful visiting academic programs at American University. He designed and led a study tour of Western Europe and international legal institutions, as well as directed the academic development of the students in Unit I of the program.

In addition to teaching, Prof. Bates is actively involved with the American Bar Association and the American Society for International Law (ASIL). He is a frequent lecturer on cross-cultural conflict and mediation, as well as an advisor to various multilateral institutions.

His primary research interests are in Anti-Corruption, Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration, Green Infrastructure Development and intercultural communication. He is also deeply interested in the intersection of culture and law, as well as the interdisciplinary study of governance through commodities such as coffee and chocolate. (Though really, who isn't?)