Carmen Hytche
Director of Special Events
Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing
It is a privilege to recognize Carmen Hytche as she joins the distinguished group of Wichita State University’s Benders of Twigs, marking 25 years of service.
Her story is one of joyful professionalism, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to Wichita State University and the greater Wichita community. Since joining Strategic Communications in 2000 as a manager and eventually becoming the director of special events and community relations, she has been the creative force and calm center behind many of WSU’s most visible and meaningful moments. Her philosophy is that event planning is like a swan: calm and graceful on the surface, while paddling like mad below.
If you have ever attended a Wichita State event, you are likely familiar with Carmen’s work. Over these 25 years, she has planned and coordinated approximately 750 campus events, each one shaped by her remarkable ability to balance event protocol with academic tradition, blending historical WSU knowledge with genuine warmth to make every guest feel welcome and valued.
Before joining Wichita State, Carmen built a career in retail and customer service with national brands like Target, Venture, and PepsiCo Food Systems. That experience gave her the instinct to anticipate needs before they arise and to deliver excellence with grace. These are qualities that have defined her career at the university and made her a trusted advisor to event planners across campus.
Carmen is a proud Wichita State alumna, earning her bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communication in 2000 and her master’s degree in counseling in 2015, both from WSU. Over the years, she has served under four university presidents, adapting to each era while maintaining her signature touches that weave in Shocker traditions and spirit. She has organized 25 President’s Distinguished Service Awards, 25 University Faculty Awards, countless campus celebrations, and every Memorial ’70 observance since she began her tenure.
For 25 years, Carmen has been the heart behind these solemn and meaningful memorials, forging deep personal relationships with the families of the 1970 plane crash victims. Her steadfast care ensured that even during the pandemic, the 50th anniversary commemoration carried the dignity, compassion, and reverence it deserved. True to form, she went above and beyond, preserving mementos from the soon-to-be-demolished Cessna Stadium, where the Shocker football team once played. Collaborating with Facilities, Athletics, and GoCreate, she transformed metal bleachers into small, engraved plaques, ensuring that an important piece of WSU's history lived on. No one asked Carmen to do this. She did it because she cares about WSU and about everyone we serve, especially the families of Memorial ’70.
Carmen’s portfolio of work also includes the “Forward Together” podcast with President Muma, which she helped structure and launch, producing about 40 episodes and coordinating guests who share stories of Wichita State’s innovation and impact. When I first told her we were launching a podcast and that I was assigning it to her, she stopped, looked to the heavens, raised her hands, and said, “Whoo-saaa," which roughly translates to, "God, help me." Then she laughed and dove right in. That is Carmen. She is undaunted by what she hasn't done before, always figuring it out and excelling. Her leadership in planning the annual Fall Address and several lecture series — including the Forum Board Lecture Series, Milton and Gladys Glickman Lecture Series, and, most recently, the Craig W. Barton Speaker Series —reflects her ability to connect logistics with purpose, transforming events into experiences that strengthen campus culture and pride.
Her service extends far beyond her formal role. She has been a long-time advisor to the Black Student Union, a supporter of the Linwood Sexton Scholars, and an active member and twice served as president for the group formerly known as the Council of University Women. Carmen’s commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and connection has left an indelible mark on generations of students and colleagues.
Those who work with Carmen know her trademark smile and unmistakable laugh — boisterous, genuine, and contagious. While our office often hums with conversation and collaboration, there are stretches of intense quiet when everyone is deeply focused. That’s when Carmen starts to sing softly – or sometimes loudly – from her office. Her voice cutting through the stillness, bringing calm, joy, and a reminder to breathe and enjoy the work. When she speaks, whether to a crowd of hundreds or a few, people listen and magically comply. Carmen has the rare ability to lead with both authority and kindness, inspiring cooperation and goodwill.
Her professional excellence has been recognized through many honors, including the Wichita Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, the President’s Distinguished Service Award, and the Drum Major Award from WSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Most recently, she was named a Wichita Business Journal Woman Who Leads in Marketing, a fitting tribute to her creativity, collaboration, and leadership.
For 25 years, Carmen Hytche has been the welcoming face and the guiding heart behind Wichita State’s most memorable moments. Her work reflects the spirit of a true Shocker, characterized by fun-filled determination and a commitment to doing the right things for the right reasons. She makes people feel at home here; and for that, I, along with Strategic Communications and Wichita State University, am profoundly grateful.
Shelly Coleman-Martins
Vice President, Strategic Communications and Marketing