Dr. Cappriccieo Scates

Chairperson, Department of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. School of Graduate Studies

Cappriccieo M. Scates is currently COO at Story Records/Capitol Christian Music Group, and an adjunct professor at SAE Institute in Atlanta, and Department Chair in The Department of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences at Cavalla International University. As COO, his day-to-day responsibilities cover a broad range of label duties and functions that include contract negotiations, product placement, distribution, marketing, artist relations, label services, etc. Prior to joining Story Records, he held positions as the Regional Director of Business Development and Artist Relations at Sound Royalties. President/CEO of Mytrell Records/Universal Music Group, General Manager at Arrow/Universal Records, Senior Director of Writer/Publisher Relations for SESAC, Director of Operations at PM Music Group and Director of National Radio Promotions for Ruffhouse/Columbia Records.

During his tenure at SESAC, he signed 2010-2014 SESAC Songwriter of the Year Rico Love, Day 26, RichGirl, Bone Crusher, Jacob Latimore, Q Parker of 112, Nikeshia Briscoe, Jay Fenix, BXC, Atozzio Towns, Eric Sire, Miykal Snoody, Nas Star, Travis Greene, Jamie Grace, Platinum Brothers and London. Prior to SESAC, he served as Director of Operations for PM Music Group where he represented songwriters whose credits included Michael Jackson, Charlie Wilson and Beyonce. Further, he also spent time as Director of National Radio Promotions for Ruffhouse/Columbia Records and has been responsible for promoting the careers of artists such as: Fugees, Cypress Hill, Bone Thugs and Harmony, Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men.

In addition, he is author of “10 Steps to Successfully Managing Recording Artists,” “The 11th Step I Missed,” and “Music and Culture.” He is currently on the Board of the Atlanta Chapter for the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP), the Board of the proposed Backstage Entertainment Federal Credit Union and is a former member of the Atlanta Chapter Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and a former President and Vice President of the Georgia Music Industry Association. Adding a political twist to his resume, Mr. Scates is also a former member of The Georgia Music Industry Task Force, which served to consult former Georgia Governor Sunny Purdue on the economic impact of music, film, and entertainment during his last term in office.

In 2011, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed presented Mr. Scates with the Phoenix Award, which replaced the “Key to the City” that was awarded by previous Mayor’s. Mr. Scates also received a Proclamation from the Atlanta City Council proclaiming September 22, 2011, as “CAPPRICCIEO SCATES DAY.”

Mr. Scates holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Averett University where he was selected to the National Dean’s List for academic excellence, and he also holds two undergraduate degrees. One in Criminology and Sociology (combined), and the other in Liberal Arts from St. Leo University. In April 2016, Mr. Scates received a Doctor of Philosophy from CICA International University and Seminary and was awarded an Ambassadorial Appointment in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, (ECOSOC). This is the highest level of accreditation and is awarded internationally to all designates. In addition, he completed his Juris Doctor degree at Barclay College of Law in 2025, graduating summa cum laude while participating as a school ambassador, serving as The Avenger Law Review Editor-In-Chief, and participating on the mock trial team. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Laws program in the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.

Further, Ambassador Scates proudly served his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army (6 years) and U.S. Army National Guard (14 years) where he retired in July 2013 after completing 20 years of service. Ambassador Scates prides himself on being selected as a Black Enterprise BE Modern Man, and a Knighted member in the prestigious Royal Order of the Dairamontcy of Africa and Diaspora Knights of Malta. His personal slogan is, “Your floor is someone else’s ceiling. Always be appreciative for where you are, but never stop trying to reach the next floor.”