Kathy Wythe, TWRI communications manager for nearly 15 years, retired January 31, 2020. In light of her retirement, her TWRI colleagues wanted to pay tribute to her and her work.
For a little over four years now, I have been fortunate to work with so many talented and dedicated people. I quickly realized that TWRI is a very cohesive organization, which only happens by having people who serve as “glue” to bind together TWRI’s wide range of people and programs. Kathy is definitely the super glue for TWRI; she touches everyone and helps them see how their work is linked to TWRI’s mission and why it is important to the citizens of Texas. The culture Kathy helped create here will live on long into the future. ~ John C. Tracy, director
Kathy has been a fixture in the TWRI office since I began 11 years ago. By working with Kathy, I have gained valuable experience. ~ Allen Berthold, senior research scientist
Since I started at TWRI as an intern, Kathy has guided, challenged and trusted me, in turn helping me to trust and challenge myself. She gave me the freedom to follow my ideas down rabbit holes and helped pull me out when I went down the wrong one. I’m grateful for the lessons, brainstorming sessions, laughs and new dance steps. I could not have asked for a better mentor to introduce me to science communication in the real world. ~ Chantal Cough-Schulze, communications specialist II
Kathy has been such an integral part of the TWRI team and a true joy to work with. I appreciate all the help she has given me my past two years here. ~ Stephanie DeVilleneuve, research assistant
Kathy has always been not only willing to help me improve communications on my projects but also taught me to grow my own skills. From simple things like taking a good photo at an event to how to order information in a press release, Kathy’s helpful hints are engraved in my mind. I can’t remember a day I haven’t chatted or messaged Kathy. ~ Clare Escamilla, research associate
When I first started, I was overwhelmed to realize I had to write a bi-monthly email, a newsletter, a txH2O article and more. Kathy reassured me that I could do it, and she would help. She was the consummate professional and great editor. She was always looking for the next story and made sure articles were written, edited and submitted on time. Kathy helped me become a better writer and gain a better understanding of the craft of writing. ~ Jaime Flores, program coordinator
Kathy’s constant kindness, advice and assistance creating all the wonderful educational and outreach materials for my many TWRI projects has been greatly appreciated. I wish Kathy a happy, well-deserved retirement. ~ Nathan Glavy, extension program specialist I
Kathy has been nothing short of great and has been instrumental in putting and keeping TWRI on the forefront of the water map. She always strove to convey the intended message as eloquently as possible, and that can be tough working with hardheaded scientists like me! Kathy was always able to translate science into an interesting and relative story that anyone can understand and enjoy. ~ Lucas Gregory, senior research scientist
It’s hard to put into just a few words how much Kathy has impacted me, not only in our years at TWRI together but also as a journalism teacher when I was in college at Texas A&M University. She has been instrumental in making sure we get our word out in a professional, timely manner and makes our work look nice and read well. She also helped edit our work, tightening it up and helping things sound better. She’s a great friend and person to work with. ~ Danielle Kalisek, grant administrator II
The biggest thing about Kathy that sticks out to me is that she made sure I knew that the work we are doing is story-worthy and that our story should be told. She is great at picking out all the important details to highlight in a story that I might take for granted! ~ Emily Monroe, extension program specialist I
Having been with Texas A&M AgriLife for many years, I had seen Kathy’s work peripherally through the publication of txH2O. After coming to TWRI, I have had the pleasure to work with her directly. Her professionalism, writing and attention to detail have made her an invaluable resource for TWRI and to the water resources of our great state and nation. ~ Ed Rhodes, research associate
I’d like to thank Kathy not only for her instrumental role in promoting and expanding the impact of TWRI but also for her wit, thoroughness and professionalism that made her a joy to work with. ~ Michael Schramm, research specialist III
Kathy has been an irreplaceable mentor as a communications manager and journalist. She has been an encouraging editor and provided priceless guidance about how to be a professional while achieving career- and life-long success. She has contributed to many strong foundations of students and coworkers alike, molding us all to carry out the institute’s mission. We will miss her serving spirit and sage advice on the TWRI communications team! ~ Sarah Richardson, communications specialist I
Thank you, Kathy, for all you’ve done, and we wish you all the best in the future! We will miss having you in the office! ~ The Texas Water Resources Institute Staff
