Overview

Tonya Witherspoon is known for being an Innovator, Strategist, Entrepreneur, and connector. Her passion for innovation, education and technology has helped her succeed in connecting Industry leaders with faculty and students at 红领巾瓜报. Tonya has helped engage, create, and expand education and career opportunities for students at 红领巾瓜报. She has taught courses in robotics, clay animation, new media, and online education. Tonya is an analytical problem solver with the ability to drive strategic projects while managing competing priorities, deadlines, and financial goals. She has founded multiple companies and served in executive roles building hardware and software for enterprise customers. Tonya is a published author and keynote speaker.

Information

Academic Interests and Expertise
  • Tonya graduated from 红领巾瓜报 in 2002 with a Bachelors of General Science, Emphasis in Computer Science, Political Science, and Creative Writing. 
  • She received a graduate certificate in Educational Technology in 2004 from Wichita State University.  
  • Tonya completed a Master's degree at 红领巾瓜报 in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction in Educational Technology.  
Areas of Research Interest
  • Tonya enjoys learning more about innovation and entrepreneurship to apply to her current and future experience.
  • She also enjoys learning about technology based economic development and eLearning strategies.
Publications
  • Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century (4th Edition) 
  • Foundations of American Education (6th Edition) 
  • Microsoft Office for Teachers (3rd Edition) 
  • Tips for Parents: Technology and the Young Profoundly Gifted Child 
  • Science Instruction in the Middle and Secondary Schools: Developing Fundamental Knowledge and Skills for Teaching (6th Edition) 
  • Clay Animation: Encouraging Visual Literacy 
  • A Model for an Online, Global, Constructionist Learning Environment: Robotics Around the World 
  • USING LEGOS TO INTEREST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND IMPROVE K12 STEM EDUCATION 
  • National Educational Technology Standards for Students Curriculum Series: Multidisciplinary Units for Prekindergarten Through Grade 2 
  • 10 Cool LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System 2 Projects: Amazing Projects You Can Build in Under an Hour 
  • 10 Cool LEGO Mindstorms Ultimate Builder Projects: Amazing Projects You Can Build in Under an Hour 
  • Linking Technology and Curriculum: Integrating the ISTE NETS Standards into Teaching and Learning (2nd Edition) 
Professional Experience
  • Founder and executive director WSU molecular diagnostics laboratory  
  • Associate vice president of industry engagement and applied learning
  • Co-founder and chief innovation officer ATW Lab Accelerator  
  • SNT media chief operating officer, chief marketing officer  
  • Director, media resources center
  • WSU chief strategy officer of applied technology acceleration institute 
  • WSU founder and executive director, Ennovar at WSU 
  • WSU strategy officer 
  • Manager of NetApp University Education 
  • LSI Corporation manager of global education services eLearning  
  • Online instructor of Davidson institute for talent development  
  • Founder and CEO of mindscapes 
  • Technology Liaison and teaching consultant for the national writing project  
  • WSU instructor in robotics, computer programming, web development, social media, interactive media production  
  • WSU educational technology specialist 
  • Director of educational technology and virtual services at ESSDACK 
  • Founder and CEO holiday expressions 
  • Founder and CEO forays technologies 
  • Co-founder and chief operating officer SSI sprinkler systems 
Clinical Experience
  • IBM End-User Community Portal for DS Series Storage Products  
  • LSI/SUN Know your Storage Partner community Portal  
  • IBM Partner Portal for DS Series Storage products  
  • South Central Kansas writing project- publishing works  
  • South central Kansas writing Project blog 
  • South Central Kansas Writing Project Wiki 
  • Clay Animation made easy 
  • Robotics classroom 
  • Project M3: Models, Mentors, Mobility 
  • TIPS: Technology Integration projects for students
Areas of Service
  • Board of Trustees Member at the Independent School in Wichita, KS 
  • Governing Board Member at the Cosmosphere 
  • Tech Advisory Council Member at Kansas Health Science Center 
  • 红领巾瓜报 Campus Contact 
  • Data Services and IT Cluster Leader
  • Co-founder of Wichita 1 million Cups Group
  • Women Who Code Mentor
  • Nxtus Accelerator, Inc. Mentor 
Other Interests
  • APLU Commission on Economic and Community Engagement 
  • Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education 
Additional Information
  • Witherspoon enjoys expanding her public outreach and community engagement.