Dr. Chioma R. Ugochukwu is an accomplished higher education leader with a record of success in advancing institutional innovation and student success. She has served in various leadership roles at public and private institutions, including serving as Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean. Her experience spans institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, and fundraising, as well as enrollment management, partnerships, workforce development, and community engagement. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Ugochukwu has focused her efforts on expanding educational access and creating strategic partnerships that connect institutions with their local communities. While serving as the Assistant Dean for the College of Communication at Marquette University with oversight of enrollment and retention, the College saw a 15% increase in enrollment and an 89% retention rate. 

Dr. Ugochukwu has led initiatives to develop academic programs that respond to evolving student interests and workforce demands. As the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Anna Maria College, she initiated the development of an Artificial Intelligence program in the School of Business and led efforts to resurrect the RN-BSN program- nearly doubling the Nursing major’s headcount. She launched five new programs at Cottey College, including some of the most-enrolled majors. 

Championing strategic partnerships has been a hallmark of her leadership. At Anna Maria, she led efforts that doubled the number of partnerships with agencies and municipalities. She also helped to expand dual enrollment and Early College program initiatives, positioning the College for inclusion on the list of recipients of the Governor of Massachusetts’ Early College program grants. The efforts are part of her commitment to expand pathways that increase student access and respond to community needs. 

Dr. Ugochukwu has extensive experience in leading organizations through change. As Provost, she directed strategic planning at Cabrini University and led an academic efficiency work that generated millions in savings for the institution. At Anna Maria, her leadership helped to resolve an accreditor’s notice of concern. During her tenure, she also helped with institutional branding efforts at Cottey College, where the College moved up several spots in the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of regional colleges.

Her experience includes resource development. She has worked with academic divisions and advancement teams to secure more than $10 million in funding through grants, foundation gifts, and scholarships. She also helped secure an agreement with Indiana University that guaranteed eligible Cottey students $45,000 to $75,000 in scholarships.

An advocate for community engagement, Dr. Ugochukwu has championed conversations and initiatives that promoted diverse perspectives in academic discourse. Her research focuses on International Communication, Race, Ethnicity, and Women’s Studies. At the University of South Carolina Upstate, where she was a tenured faculty member, she established an annual speaker series that attracted senators, policymakers, human rights activists, authors, and industry leaders who addressed critical issues in human rights and international affairs. She has also delivered impactful presentations on branding and workplace culture, and remains committed to advancing women in leadership.

Dr. Ugochukwu earned a Ph.D. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and both her MA in Mass Communications (Broadcast Journalism) and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She also completed coursework toward an MPhil in Media and Communication at Coventry University, England. Prior to her work in academia, she served as a professional journalist, and that foundation in communication continues to shape her leadership and communication style. 

Dr. Ugochukwu’s professional and community contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including a citation from the City Council of Philadelphia and a recognition from FunTimes Magazine as a "Woman of Influence." A member of Kappa Tau Alpha- Journalism Honor Society, she has also received awards such as the Bank of America’s Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award, the University of Texas at Austin’s Continuing University Fellowship, and the Ada Frances Miller Excellence in Journalism Award. She has been inducted into national academic and leadership societies, including Omicron Delta Kappa and Delta Epsilon Sigma.

Beyond her professional work, Dr. Ugochukwu engages in community service and several projects that promote educational and leadership opportunities, particularly for girls and emerging leaders.  She serves on various boards and community organizations dedicated to education and development initiatives in Africa and beyond. She also loves traveling with family and collecting snow globes.