Gary Kates

Gary R. Kates (born November 9, 1952) is an American historian who specializes in the European Enlightenment and the French Revolution. He is an emeritus professor of history at Pomona College in Claremont, California, having previously held the H. Russell Smith Foundation chair.

Early life and education Kates grew up in Los Angeles. In high school, he says he was social and musical but not particularly into academics. He initially intended to become a rabbi or a lawyer, but was influenced by professors to pursue history.

Career In 1980, Kates became a professor of history at Trinity University in Texas, where he taught for 20 years. and became Trinity's interim dean of arts and humanities.

In 2001, he came to Pomona College, a neighbor of Pitzer and fellow member of the Claremont Colleges, to serve as dean of the college. He asked students in his courses to use his first name.

Kates retired in July 2024.

Works

Personal life Kates and his wife, Lynne, married in 1978 and live in Claremont. They have two children. He is close friends with environmental analyst Char Miller.