In his first year as President of Trinity College of Florida, NOBTS alum Christopher Gates has led the school toward a journey of transformation.  

Gates, a double graduate of NOBTS, was appointed president of Trinity College of Florida Oct. 24, 2025.  

Since then, Trinity College has more than doubled their enrollment, improved their retention rate, re-engaged with many of their donors and started the process of adding new academic programs.  

“We had been in a season of decline recently, but I was confident that God wasn’t done with His work here at Trinity College of Florida and that He was going to make a way,” said Gates, who has been teaching at Trinity College since 2016. 

“We have just seen some incredible favor from the Lord. There is definitely excitement here among the faculty and staff. I think our students are excited and we’re right at the beginning of what I think is going to be an incredible turnaround story. 

“All of this has been an act of God. I’m not letting anybody take credit for anything around here. It is God. It’s not me or anyone else. The Lord is multiplying our efforts here.” 

Gates explained that one of his first priorities is re-emphasizing and expanding the mission of the school.  

Trinity College of Florida is a private non-denominational Christian school founded in 1932 and located on the Gulf Coast.  

Notable alumni of Trinity College include Evangelist Billy Graham and Dove award-winning recording artist KB (Kevin Burgess).  

Its mission is to provide “a biblically-centered education, equipping servant leaders for life and career opportunities.” 

Gates explained Trinity College wants to continue offering strong ministry-focused degrees but also continue to offer and expand their professional degrees.  

Whether a student is pursuing vocational ministry or desires to enter the business marketplace, the school aims to train them to be a devoted follower of Christ.  

“The Great Commission was not given just to pastors and missionaries,” Gates said. “Those were orders Jesus gave to everybody. Everyone who calls themselves a believer is supposed to be going out and making disciples no matter where they are working.  

“We have a responsibility as a Bible college to raise up the next generation of not just church leaders, but also workplace professionals.  

“I want us to be a place where no matter what your vocational calling is, students can come and learn how to be a disciple-maker. We want to be offering that biblical foundation for not only service in the church, but in the marketplace. That is one of the main initiatives we have begun working on.” 

Gates is originally an alum of Trinity College of Florida, graduating with his bachelor's in Christian ministry in 2013.

After considering several options, Gates decided to pursue his master's degree at NOBTS with the goal of pursuing doctoral work.

He lived on campus while earning his master's degree where he would meet his wife Angela and experience the unique community the seminary offers.  

“I absolutely loved living on campus,” Gates said. “There is a great sense of community, and I made life-long friends. The campus environment at NOBTS was so nurturing, hospitable and encouraging. I really thrived there.  

“One of the reasons I commuted while doing my doctorate was that I valued the education that you get being in-person on campus. The attitude and atmosphere of humility there was great. It prepared me to be a life-long learner.” 

Upon finishing his Ph.D in 2021, Gates and his family would help with a church revitalization effort at Mosaic Church New Port Richey in East Florida. He would also begin teaching at Trinity College full-time in 2023.  

The example set by his NOBTS professors has helped guide him in these ministry roles.  

“All of the professors were top notch,” he said. “The majority of my professors were also local pastors. They were very busy in a positive sense.  

“I loved that I had professors that set a good example for me. I aspired to be like them, and I carry all of the things I learn from them with me. The training that you get at NOBTS is preparing you for service and to stay busy in the Lord.” 

Now in his position as President, Gates hopes to carry these lessons on to the next generation of students.  

“In a lot of ways, I am trying to shape Trinity College after the culture that I experienced at NOBTS, and I’m looking forward to continuing to recommend students to attend graduate school at NOBTS.”