The school experienced a small building boom during his tenure Eastern acquired the 176-acre Stateland Farm and spent over $250,000 on new construction, including the Coates Administration Building, the Cammack Building, Burnam Hall, and the original John Grant Crabbe Library.
Like his predecessors, Coates faced constant competition for students from public and private colleges in the region. Nevertheless, enrollment increased, despite inadequate dormitory space. Dr. Coates appealed to the people of Richmond to open their homes to students, and they responded. By 1926 the Richmond Register estimated that Eastern generated over $500,000 yearly to the local economy.
Coates' presidency was ended by his death March 17, 1928. His successor was a professor of education from George Peabody College for Teachers, Dr. Herman Lee Donovan.