A 2009 graduate of UConn’s School of Pharmacy, Chinenye Anyanwu returned to Husky Nation to provide the same empowerment she once felt as a student. After serving as an Adjunct Pharmacy Professor, she joined UConn full-time in the Fall of 2021 as an Assistant Professor of Public Health in the Pharmacy Practice department.  

Anyanwu’s impact extends beyond the classroom, especially notable in her position as the service director for Black Sisters Optimizing Unity & Leadership (BSOUL House) – a learning community in the Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities (FYP). Designed to support the scholastic efforts of female students who identify as African American/Black through academic and social/emotional support, access to research opportunities, and professional development, the BSOUL House optimizes unity and leadership.  

Anyanwu’s service extends to her active role in the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA). Dedicated to serving underserved communities and educating health care workers on how to serve the growing minority population, SNPhA increases minority representation in all health care professions.  

Anyanwu’s leadership can also be felt in the Student of Color Mentorship Program and in the School of Pharmacy’s Diversity Committee – an organization created during her time as a student – where she now serves as a faculty advisor. Through these various organizations, Anyanwu’s involvement with the School is a testament to her dedication to the success of UConn students.  

With her research focused on systemic racism on health disparities, Anyanwu strives to improve the provision of pharmaceutical care for racial and ethnic minorities through community-based intervention, policy change, and advocacy. These passions were sparked during Anyanwu’s time as a UConn student, “I think that was the time where a lot of seeds were planted for me.” Involved in numerous community outreach initiatives and organizations including SNPhA and the Urban Service Track as a student, Anyanwu remembers the effort needed to establish a SNPhA chapter and how grateful she is to hold a leadership position in the association now.  

“I’m grateful for receiving the award, but this is something that I share with a lot of individuals who were instrumental in my service journey, community outreach, and education journeys up till now.”

Beyond the UConn Campus, Anyanwu is engaged in volunteer work and active membership in various professional organizations.  

Receiving the Robert L. McCarthy Faculty Service Award is a full-circle moment for Anyanwu, evidenced by her continuous dedication to UConn and the pharmacy field. As once an active student of the School, Anyanwu exemplifies what it means to be an active faculty member and is grateful for all those who have been influential in her educational and professional careers. With her various leadership positions, Anyanwu continues to serve and inspire others within the UConn community and beyond.

Anyanwu will receive her award during commencement weekend in May.