TXST couple retires after roughly decade of supporting student success

TXST couple retires after roughly decade of supporting student success Categories: Features L&A Events L&A General Life and Arts TXST couple retires after roughly decade of supporting student success Sofee Reina, Life and Arts Contributor October 14, 2026 Photo Courtesy of Kate Malazonia. After 13 years of dedication to student success, Texas State educators Andrea and Peter Golato are saying goodbye to the university. Peter Golato retired on Aug. 31, followed by Andrea Golato on Sept. 30. Andrea Golato, former dean of the Graduate College, and Peter Golato, former French professor and director of the IDEA Center, helped develop programs and resources supporting undergraduate and graduate student achievements. The couple described the connection between Peter Golato’s undergraduate-focused work and Andrea Golato’s more graduate-focused work. “I don’t think either of us saw ourselves as being, like, me carrying the football down the field and then doing a pass up to her, and she says, ‘I’m gonna keep running with the ball,’” Peter Golato said. “It just worked out that way.” The pair worked alongside each other for 14 years at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before joining Texas State faculty in 2013, drawn by opportunities to expand undergraduate and graduate programs. “What was clear at the time was that [Texas State] was a university on the go,” Andrea Golato said. As a French professor and director of the IDEA Center, Peter Golato supported undergraduate students through teaching and worked to make research more accessible. After serving as co-chair of the center’s founding task force beginning in 2019, Peter Golato became director of the IDEA Center in 2021. The center promotes and supports research at Texas State, particularly at the undergraduate level. As director, Peter Golato organized events and workshops to inform students about opportunities to begin or continue research. Jeremy White, assistant director of the IDEA Center, said Peter Golato made a significant academic impact, but he will remember his sense of humor most. “He’s very personable, he’s very goofy,” White said. “He had a French phrase for literally any situation.” Beyond promoting research, the IDEA Center helps students develop and present their work. Drawing on his experience as a professor and researcher, Peter Golato offered students insight into careers in research and academia. “He did a very good job of relating to students and showing them what a researcher looks like,” White said. “He was always very kind and very supportive of [student] efforts.” As dean of the Graduate College, Andrea Golato expanded graduate programs and developed resources to support student retention. Patti Giuffre, associate dean of retention for the Graduate College, said Andrea Golato made her feel welcome immediately. “I could just immediately see that she was an advocate for graduate students and graduate programs and had all these great new innovative ideas … a lot of things just didn’t exist before she was here,” Giuffre said. Andrea Golato established Graduate Student Appreciation Week and Shop Talks, initiatives aimed at supporting and recognizing graduate students and their work. She also helped secure funding for doctoral assistantships and expand the number of doctoral programs offered, contributing to Texas State’s efforts to achieve Research 1 (R1) status, the highest research activity classification for universities. Clay Green, interim dean of the Graduate College as of Oct. 1, said he admires Andrea Golato’s wisdom. “She knows the policy. She knows the people. She just has an incredible wealth of knowledge [making her] a great resource to go to,” Green said. Peter and Andrea Golato said their work was motivated by a belief in students’ potential and a passion for helping them succeed. “For me, that’s been the most important thing … seeing student after student and saying, ‘yes, you can do this,’” Peter Golato said. “We can show you the tools, and then it’s off to the races.” The couple said they look forward to a change of scenery and new activities in retirement, though they do not necessarily plan to slow down. Andrea Golato said she will miss the people at Texas State, particularly her colleagues, their teamwork and watching students succeed. Peter Golato echoed her sentiments, adding that he will miss the San Marcos River and the food, especially from Pie Society. “We’ve shared the passion of helping students find their path,” Andrea Golato said. “It’s been wonderful to work together.” 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story More to Discover More in Features Austin City Limits Music Festival Take your concerns to the ballot box 'Cats look to get first conference win vs Colorado State Lucky Cruz finishes in the top 15 at the Testudo Cup Quintanilla leads the Bobcats at Ron Moore Intercollegiate UPD investigates burglary, indecent assault at Cypress More in L&A Events Community building: Musicians and Artists Club hosts Fall Showcase Actors tap into personal experience in 'All My Sons' From San Marcos to Austin City Limits Excellence: Texas State celebrates 4 Regents’ awardees First Generation panelists encourage students to seek support, build connections Clay Club SMTX shapes community through art More in L&A General 5th annual Variety Show brings community together for Price Center Genius at work: Texas State professor awarded MacArthur Fellowship Retired professor remembered for long life of giving back Students reimagine classic movies at film fest L Fest brings connection and creativity to Tantra Texas State professor amplifies women’s voices at Lockhart music festival