Dr. Chioma R. Ugochukwu is a Professor of Communication and the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Anna Maria College. With a distinguished career in academic leadership, she has held key roles including Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cabrini University., Dean for the Scool of Social Sciences, Business, and Education at Mount Mary University, and  Assistant Dean for Student Services in the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication at Marquette University. Additionally, she served as the Vice President for Academic affairs and Dean of Faculty at Cottey College. 

Dr. Ugochukwu has a proven record of advancing academic innovation, institutional partnerships, and student success. Her research focuses on International Communication, Race, Ethnicity, and Women’s Studies. During her tenure, she has successfully secured and managed a robust grant portfolio, working with academic divisions and advancement teams to secure over $10 million in funding for programs, labs, infrastructure, and student services. Under her leadership, institutions have seen significant improvements in student retention, pass rates, and job placement outcomes. 

Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Ugochukwu began her career as a journalist and remains deeply committed to social justice and initiatives that support all students. At the University of South Carolina Upstate, where she was a tenured faculty member, she established an annual diversity conference and speaker series, attracting senators, policymakers, human rights activists, authors, and industry leaders to address critical issues in human rights and international affairs. She has delivered impactful presentations on cultural sensitivity and inclusion in the workplace. Her efforts have earned her prestigious accolades, including a Diversity Advocate Award at USC Upstate and the Golden Roses Award at Marquette University.

Dr. Ugochukwu earned her Ph.D. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and pursued additional studies at Coventry University in England and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She serves on various boards and community organizations dedicated to education, healthcare, and development initiatives in Africa and beyond. 

While in Kansas-Missouri area, she served as Vice President of the Governing Board of the Arts Council of Johnson County. Her contributions in Philadelphia have been recognized with the Women of Influence Award and a citation from the City Council of Philadelphia.

A member of Kappa Tau Alpha- Journalism Honor Society, Dr. Ugochukwu has been honored with multiple awards, including the Bank of America’s Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award, the University of Texas at Austin’s prestigious Continuing University Fellowship, and the Ada Frances Miller Excellence in Journalism Award.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Ugochukwu enjoys volunteering, traveling, and collecting snow globes, reflecting her passion for global cultures and community engagement.