Department of Biology

News and Announcements

In remembrance, Dr. Joe Koke, a long-time professor in the department, recently passed away. Joe began his career at the university in 1978, then known as Southwest Texas State University, and retired in 2020. Joe received B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Oregon in 1966 and 1968. He then went on to the University of Alberta where he earned a doctorate in 1971. While at Texas State, Joe developed a research program in Cell Biology and Microscopy. He was one of the first faculty members to successfully obtain federal funding for his research. Over the years, he also mentored many graduate students as well as junior-level faculty members. Joe played a large role in initiating the department's and one of the university's first Ph.D. programs. He also had various leadership roles in the department and served on committees that increased the research capacity of the university as well as its teaching mission. Joe will certainly be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and students. (Posted 7-24-2026)