October 5, 2026 | Victoria Burkhardt
The Graduate College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Melissa A. Martinez as Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Research. Dr. Martinez began working in her new position on September 1, 2026.
Dr. Martinez assumes the role previously held by Dr. Clay Green, who will transition into the position of interim dean following Dr. Andrea Golato’s departure at the end of September. As associate dean, Dr. Martinez will work collaboratively with stakeholders across the university on strategic initiatives supporting graduate education, including graduate program development, enrollment, research, and student success.
Dr. Martinez is a professor in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology in the College of Education. She has also served in graduate program leadership, including as a graduate advisor and director of the Ph.D. in Educational and Community Leadership Program. Her university service includes participation on the College of Education Research Office Advisory Committee, the HIS Community Counsil, and The Education Institute. She also serves on the editorial review boards of The Urban Review and Leadership and Policy in Schools.
Her research focuses on college access and readiness, educational leadership and preparation, and the experiences of faculty in academia. Her grant-funded work has included projects focused on college readiness, supporting families in preparing students for college, the experiences of part-time college students in Texas, and Latina educational administrators.
Dr. Martinez has an extensive record of scholarship, including journal articles, book chapters, and collaborative publications related to educational leadership. Most recently, she served as a co-editor of the 2026 volume Transformative Praxis through Doctoral Educational Leadership Programs: A Blueprint for Fostering Resilient, Future-ready Leaders.
Her commitment to graduate education and mentorship has also received recognition at both the university and regional levels. Dr. Martinez received The Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award for 2024-2025 and was subsequently selected as the 2025 Conference of Southern Graduate Schools Outstanding Faculty Mentor, an award recognizing outstanding success in mentoring graduate students amount institutions throughout the Southern region. She also received the College of Education’s 2026 Outstanding Program Coordinator Award and 2025 College Achievement Award for Excellence in Service.
Dr. Martinez’s experience in graduate program leadership, research, service, and student mentorship will support The Graduate College’s continued efforts to strengthen graduate education across Texas State.
Please join The Graduate College in Welcoming Dr. Melissa A. Martinez to her new role as Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Research.
