Dr. Charles "Chip" G. Groat

Charles G. “Chip” Groat, Ph.D., age 84, passed away on March 14, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and heart failure. Born on March 25, 1940, in Westfield, New York, Chip lived a life dedicated to his family, education, and the advancement of geological sciences.

A devoted husband, father, and mentor, Chip is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara F. “Bobbie” Groat, his son Douglas A. Groat, and his daughter Lisa A. Groat. He is also mourned by his brothers, Robert H. Groat and Richard W. Groat. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Foote Groat, and his father Howard Henry Groat.

Chip was an avid runner, often logging several miles daily, regardless of the weather. His love for running took him through a snowstorm in Russia and a torrential downpour in Vietnam. He also had a passion for sailing and would race with his crew on a J/24 sailboat on Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf of Mexico during the 1980s. An accomplished world traveler, his journeys took him from South America to the Middle East, throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa, and to the remote wilderness of Alaska.

His distinguished career in geology began with a B.A. from the University of Rochester in 1962, followed by an M.S. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1967. It was here during his graduate studies that he met and married his wife Bobbie in September 1963. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970.

Over his career, Chip held several positions in academia, government, and research institutions. He served as a research geologist, followed by associate and acting director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin (1968–1976) and associate professor in the Department of Geological Sciences (1974-1976). He then served as associate professor and chairman of the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (1976-1978). From 1978 to 1990, he was a professor at Louisiana State University’s Department of Geology and Geophysics. He also played a key role in state government, serving as Assistant to the Secretary at the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (1983–1988) and as Director and State Geologist for the Louisiana Geological Survey (1978-1990).

From 1990 to 1992, Chip served as the Executive Director of the American Geological Institute, followed by his tenure as Executive Director of the Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environmental Resources at Louisiana State University (1992–1995). He later joined the University of Texas at El Paso, where he was the Director of the Center for Environmental Resource Management and Director of the Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. Program, Professor of Geological Sciences, and Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Projects (1995–1998).

In 1998, Chip was appointed the 13th Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) by President Bill Clinton and was retained in this position by President George W. Bush. He led the agency until 2005, overseeing critical research on energy resources, water policy, and environmental sustainability.

Chip was awarded the AGI (American Geosciences Institute) Campbell Medal for Superlative Service to the Geosciences in 1998. This Medal is presented each year to a nationally recognized, living geoscientist with a distinguished record of significant achievements in science, education, and administration, in support of the profession of geology and its role in society. It is AGI’s most distinguished award.

Following his tenure at USGS, Chip returned to the University of Texas at Austin to direct the Energy and Earth Resources Graduate Program and the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy. In 2008, he was named interim dean of the Jackson School of Geosciences.

In 2011, Chip became the founding president and CEO of the Water Institute of the Gulf, where he championed scientific and engineering research to address coastal and environmental challenges. From 2019 to his retirement in 2021, he served as acting Director of the Louisiana Geological Survey.

Chip’s leadership in the field of geology was widely recognized, and he was an active member of the Geological Society of America, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Geophysical Union, and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. He also served on numerous scientific boards and committees and contributed extensively to research publications on earth sciences and environmental policy.

A devoted family man, he was deeply involved with his children, offering them guidance and unwavering support throughout their lives. He served as a dedicated Scoutmaster, president of the church council, and as church treasurer. Service to others was a central part of his life. He took great pride in supporting his family’s education and aspirations, always encouraging them to follow their dreams.

Chip’s legacy will be remembered through his contributions to science, his mentorship of future geologists, his kindness, generosity, and the love he had for his family.

The family extends a special thanks to the caregivers at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and St. Joseph's Carpenter House Hospice who made Chip’s last days comfortable.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2021 Tara Blvd on March 25 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson Research Foundation (PRF) at https://parkinsonhope.org/.