Born and raised in Tyler, Terrence Ates is a product of TylerISD, Tyler Junior College and UT-Tyler, earning his Master of Education in Health & Kinesiology in 2008.

While pursuing his degrees at UT-Tyler, a young Mr. Ates worked as a waiter and as a gymnastics tumbling coach.  During his final semester at UT-Tyler, Mr. Ates was enlisted as a research assistant within the Department of Health & Kinesiology and increased the local community’s awareness of prostate cancer.

Since 2012, Mr. Ates has been employed with the Northeast Texas Public Health District, the local health department for Tyler and for Smith County, and he serves as their Director of Community Outreach and Public Information Officer.

Mr. Ates is married with two daughters and one granddaughter.  His hobbies include breathing, eating and sleeping.