Inducted November 9, 1996

1947-49  Highest scorer to play basketball for Martin prior to 1949

1949-50  Member of the Basketball team at University of Chattanooga

1951-52  Earned Masters Degree in Education, George Peabody College

1952-54  Instructor, Third Army Leadership School, Fort Jackson, South Carolina

1954-56  Coach of High School Basketball, High School Baseball, and the Junior High Football Teams and an educator at Harriman City Schools

1956-66  Principal and superintendent of Rockwood City Schools

1957  Earned Education Specialist Degree, George Peabody College

1966-68  Earned Doctor of Education Degree and Served as School Planning Consultant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

1968-93  Superintendent of Cleveland City Schools.  Under the guidance of Dr. Yates, numerous honors and recognition were given to the school system: National School of Excellence Award, several state Teacher of the Year, School Board of the Year, All State Board representation, Governor’s A Plus Schools Award, and Tennessee Superintendent of the Year Award(1988)

1993  The City of Cleveland named a new school in Dr. Yates honor, The Donald P. Yates Primary School.