Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Chioma Ugochukwu, PhD, was named a 2020 Philadelphia Woman of Influence by FunTimes, a magazine that celebrates Africa and the Diaspora. She was recognized at the awards ceremony on April 10 (held virtually because of COVID-19 mitigation measures) and appeared on the cover of the magazine’s
Who’s Who issue (March/April). She had previously served as a keynote speaker for the magazine’s 2019 Women of Influence ceremony.
“One of the things I say to young women,” Ugochukwu told FunTimes, “is that it is OK to have big dreams. … I agree with those who argue that if your dreams don’t scare you, then they are perhaps too small.”
Her career embodies that mantra.
For Ugochukwu, who was born in Nigeria—the only girl in her family, with five brothers—big dreams have been her steadfast guide. They took her to the University of Nigeria, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Arts and a master’s degree in Mass Communications, and began her career as a political reporter, columnist, and features editor. She then traveled to England for an Mphil program in Media, Culture, and Communication at Coventry University, before moving to the United States where she earned her PhD in Journalism at the University of Texas-Austin. Ugochukwu has also earned certificates in Computer Information Systems.
She joined Cabrini University in February 2019, after holding academic positions at Cottey College, Mount Mary University, Marquette University, and the University of South Carolina Upstate.
As Ugochukwu followed her professional dreams, she held tightly to another aspiration—to help young people achieve a higher education.
“It is heartening when we hear the stories of individuals who are the drivers of positive change in our communities,” said Ugochukwu, who volunteers for many charitable organizations, cherishing her roles as a diversity trainer and youth mentor, in particular. “Being honored as a Woman of Influence spurs me to do more to give back to the community. Each of us has agency, and we can use that agency for good.”
Her desire to help young people is perhaps most evident today at Cabrini.
Ugochukwu was instrumental in instituting the University’s Common Hour this year, a dedicated time each week for students to come together with faculty and staff to celebrate Cabrini’s Education of the Heart through games and fellowship. She is also working with the Nerney Leadership Institute to ensure that every Cabrini student is exposed to leadership training before they graduate, and as Co-Chair of the University Planning Council, has led Cabrini’s strategic planning efforts.
“I have focused my energy on promoting academic policies to ensure that student success is paramount in all we do,” she said.
With the unplanned and instant transition to fully online learning this spring because of coronavirus stay-at-home orders, Ugochukwu’s focus on student success has become even more important. Fortunately, her personal and professional goals—and dreams—have always aligned with Cabrini’s mission.
“Knowing that the work I do helps to advance the mission means a lot to me,” said Ugochukwu, the Woman of Influence who has never let a far-reaching dream hold her back. “Having purpose in my work is of utmost importance and I find that purpose daily in Cabrini’s mission.”