President Emeritus of UMES to receive honorary degree at WFU commencement

Hytche will be one of three honorary degree recipients at the 2001 commencement ceremony, which features former First Lady Barbara Bush as commencement speaker.

Hytche is credited for the revitalization of UMES, a historically black university. During his 21-year term, enrollment tripled, the curriculum was revamped, grants to the university increased and the university became the centerpiece of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Hytche came to Maryland State College in 1960, after teaching in Ponca City, Okla., and at Oklahoma State University. He taught math at UMES, chaired the math department, was dean of student affairs and chair of the division of liberal studies before being appointed as acting chancellor of the university in 1975. The next year he became the permanent chancellor.

Former President George Bush appointed Hytche to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Hytche was also co-chair of the USDA/1890 Task Force and chair of the Council of 1890 Presidents/Chancellors from 1985-1990.

Hytche has traveled extensively as a part of a cooperative partnership program between UMES and African and Asian countries. He has also been a United States representative to several East and West African countries.

The other honorary degree recipients are former First Lady Barbara Bush and Martin Isepp. Barbara Bush, the third member of the Bush family to appear at Wake Forest, has volunteered with and supported hundreds of charity and humanitarian causes. She will receive an honorary doctorate of humanities degree. A distinguished pianist, vocal coach and conductor, Martin Isepp will receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree.