Debra Franklin
AVP, Strategic Initiatives and Industry Engagement
Debbie coordinates, prioritizes, and pursues resources for the regional advanced manufacturing
strategic plan initiatives, collaborates with partner institutions to provide technical
assistance to existing businesses and startup firms for technology transfer and transition/migration,
and develops university-level proposals for government grants and contracts. She is
committed to advancing an innovation ecosystem with industry that promotes technology-based
economic development.
Tracee Friess
Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing
Tracee leads communication and publicity initiatives for WSU Initiatives, and is the
Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing for Wichita State
University’s Industry and Defense Programs. Tracee is working with univeristy innovators
and engineers to form strategic industry partnerships centered on solving problems
and providing applied learning opportunities for Wichita State University students.
She has more than fifteen years of experience in communications; specializing in public
relations, news and copywriting, event planning, advertising and social media. She
is adept at grasping complex technical details and communicating them to a broad audience.
Her industry experience and knowledge of university resources allow her to skillfully
navigate both arenas.
Sherry (Gegen) Whitson
Strategic Initiatives Program Director
Sherry facilitates interactions with external inventors, entrepreneurs and small/medium
size businesses to facilitate collaboration with community and industry partners.
Her extensive knowledge of state and federal-funded training programs, economic development
and workforce development strategies and resources allows her to successfully connect
Kansas business with Wichita State University resources, government resources and
the local workforce system.
Angie Myrtle
Financial Project Manager
Angie brings over 20 years of experience in administration and education to the department.
She strives to embody the WSU principles of being Professional, Responsive, Open,
Understanding and Dependable.
Angie supports staff, faculty, students and community partners at Wichita State University daily. Her role at Strategic Initiatives includes project management primarily focusing on expanding financials, grant funding, procurements, payments, and assets. Angie is the campus administrator for Google Certificates and aids in office administrative duties as well.
Phone: (316) 978-6358
Tonya Redmond
Partner Relations Coordinator
Tonya Redmond provides hospitality and logistical support to Wichita State University’s
industry partners, internal departments and students, while meticulously ensuring
requests for event scheduling and facility services are met. Tonya has a Bachelors
in Business Administration and a Masters in Leadership. Having 20 years in the aerospace
industry, she is a great addition to the Strategic Initiatives Industry and Defense
Programs Team.
Phone: (316) 978-5362
Dana Schirer
IDP Grant Development Specialist
Dana collaborates with internal and external partners to research, lead, write, and
develop competitive grant applications to support the Industry and Defense programs.
Her extensive experience in building relationships with industry, education, and community
organizations and knowledge of state and federal funding opportunities provides the
ability to develop competitive economic and workforce development projects.
Phone: (316) 978-6399
Diann Gregg
IDP Project Manager
Diann develops project plans, creates schedules, and ensures task deliverables meet
expectations by collaborating with project contributors to assess and ensure successful
program outcomes. Her extensive experience in workforce funded training, file monitoring,
registered apprentice program coordination, and connections to local business and
industry are instrumental in managing the details, collaborating with partners, and
ensuring successful grant project compliance and completion.
Phone: (316) 978-6449
Mia Whitcomb
Marketing & Research - Student Assistant
Mia Whitcomb is a student assistant at WSU Strategic Initiatives. In her current role,
Mia collaborates with the team to coordinate events and contributes to marketing strategies.
As a Digital Marketing major at Wichita State University, Mia is honing her skills
in social media strategy, content creation, and digital analytics. After she graduates,
Mia hopes to become a Social Media/Marketing Manager.
Phone: (316) 978-5363
