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 Wichita State University. Tonya has helped engage, create, and expand education and career opportunities for students at Wichita State University. 

Tonya founded and served as the executive director of the WSU Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory and throughout her career at WSU has held multiple titles in her time at WSU and is adept at driving strategic projects while managing competing priorities, deadlines, and financial goals. She has taught courses in robotics, clay animation, new media, and online education founded multiple companies and served in executive roles building hardware and software for enterprise customers. Tonya is a published author and keynote speaker.

A Shocker to her core, Tonya graduated from Wichita State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of General Science, Emphasis in Computer Science, Political Science, and Creative Writing. She went on to earn a graduate certificate in Educational Technology and completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Educational Technology, also from Wichita State University.