Dr. Michael Bates, assistant principal for student life at Louisville High School in Woodland Hills, has been appointed head of school at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks, effective July 1.

“Dr. Bates is a man of great integrity, drive and faith,” said Dr. Christopher Tolcher, chairman of La Reina’s board of trustees. “He has experience working with faculty, students, parents, administrators and the local community in a leadership role, and in an environment that matches La Reina's very closely.”

Bates holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America. He has served more than 20 years in Catholic secondary and higher education.

“What a wonderful opportunity this is to lead La Reina honoring the tremendous legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the faculty and community of students, families and alumnae,” said Bates.

Opened in 1964, La Reina was recognized as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School.