Wichita State University's Applied Technology Acceleration Institute has gained a new partner and will spin out one of its centers into a stand-alone department.

The spinout comes with the introduction of Wichita newcomer Social Networking Technology’s passfail.com as a new partner that will provide additional applied learning opportunities for students.

The new center will focus on how technology is consumed, not merely created, and will be led by Tonya Witherspoon.

“Our top priority is to provide solution support for customers looking to partner with WSU, while creating applied learning opportunities for students across campus,” said Witherspoon.

The new center, which will also continue to work with NetApp, will operate out of ATAI’s current headquarters in Don Beggs Hall.

ATAI will move to the third floor of the National Institute for Aviation Research building, next to the Center for Economic Development and Business Research. It will focus on furthering its partnerships with several organizations including Spirit AeroSystems, iTalent Corporation, Cisco, Answr and HyperBorean.

Ken Russell, ATAI executive director, will continue to lead the institute in its mission to identify, grow, optimize, scale and monetize its technology services and solutions support opportunities with the needs of industry and provide applied learning experience for students.

“As part of the acceleration process of the ATAI, technology services and solutions support opportunities are frequently identified and aligned with the needs of today's market-driven economy,” said Russell. “These opportunities are then optimized, expanded and scaled to showcase a particular capability.”

A name for the new center will be announced next week in addition to details about the partnership with Social Networking Technology’s passfail.com.