WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- Wichita State University has opened its new Office for Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence. The university says the newly created department will focus on retaining, supporting and developing faculty talent. WSU says its goals are supporting student success, collaborative and externally funded research, and attracting and retaining a diverse faculty body. Sedgwick County Zoo gets a new gorilla to woo the girls The new office is being funded in part by a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The university says the FARE Office is another step toward becoming an R1 Research Institution. “FARE will be an umbrella and coordinating office for most of the activities that have to do with faculty in terms of helping them with their career,” says Janet Twomey, director of FARE in a news release. “It will be a hub for all faculty activities that are working toward the university’s mission and goals.”  Wichita State University's newly opened Office for Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence.Wichita State University's newly opened Office for Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence.Wichita State University's newly opened Office for Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence.Wichita State University's newly opened Office for Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence. “FARE is a place for professional development and also a place to connect with resources available for faculty,” says Jennifer Friend, dean of the College of Applied Studies. “Having a central faculty office provides opportunities for inter-disciplinary research and inter-disciplinary teaching.” An open house for the WSU campus community will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 in room 112 of Jardine Hall.