K-State music professor Anna Marie Wytko named 2025 University Distinguished Professor
Anna Marie Wytko, professor of music in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, has been named a 2025 University Distinguished Professor, the highest academic honor bestowed by Kansas State University. | Download this photo.
Anna Marie Wytko, professor of music in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University, has been named a 2025 University Distinguished Professor — the highest academic honor bestowed by K-State — in recognition of her impact as a saxophonist, educator and author.
Wytko's academic work in the College of Arts and Sciences spans international performance, saxophone pedagogy and interdisciplinary research. She became assistant professor of saxophone in 2011 and was promoted to full professor in 2021.
"Professionally, this distinct honor reaffirms that my research, teaching and service are paving the way for future generations of saxophonists worldwide to contribute to the profession in worthwhile, thoughtful ways," Wytko said. "Personally, it reaffirms that the privilege of creating, sharing and teaching music is a valued part of the human experience. These experiences have the potential to make the lives of others better and more fulfilling."
Wytko has performed as a soloist in venues including Carnegie Hall, London's Royal College of Music and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. Her recordings and published works have been recognized by music journals and are used as resources by educators worldwide. She is a Yamaha Performing Artist-Clinician and a faculty mentor for the North American Saxophone Alliance Women's Mentoring Program.
At K-State, Wytko has developed new saxophone curriculum initiatives and works to expand student opportunities through international guest teaching, recruitment and campus events. She received K-State's International Educator of the Year award in 2022.
"I hope the impact of my research will cultivate an awareness that all people are worthy of dignity and capable of excellence," Wytko said. "I want to continue to encourage young people to consider some form of the arts as a career option, or at least strengthen serious respect and passion for creating, performing and listening to music. I want to continue motivating students to believe that good work by all is not only possible but enjoyable."
Wytko brings her passion for the arts to interdisciplinary projects as well, including the development of a music therapy initiative for children with osteosarcoma. The project integrates university music students into real-world clinical and community-based teaching experiences. She is also part of a National Endowment for the Arts proposal for a multimedia performance immersion to be presented at venues including the Kennedy Center and San Francisco's Herbst Theatre.
As professor of saxophone, Wytko teaches applied saxophone, chamber music and pedagogy courses at K-State, and she has mentored numerous students who have gone on to pursue professional roles in music education and performance.
"Take the initiative to surround yourself with experts in the field and learn as much as possible from them," Wytko said. "Surround yourself with individuals who support this process of discovery and curiosity."
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David Auckly is recognized for his work in geometric topology, mathematical physics, and efforts to expand access to mathematics education.
Pascal Hitzler is noted for research in artificial intelligence and data, and for leading the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
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