A 2009 graduate of UConn 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.  

Since returning to UConn, Anyanwu has served as the co-chair of the School’s Diversity Committee, where she led the committee’s efforts to conduct a climate assessment project to better understand the school’s climate and culture as it relates to inclusion and belonging. This work helped to inform the development of key priorities in the school’s strategic plan. She also mentored student members of the committee in their efforts to revive the Diversity Week Celebration, a weeklong series of educational and social events aimed at showcasing diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusion, and cultivating a sense of belonging among all members of the school community. 

Anyanwu’s research focuses on understanding the root causes of health disparities, and she strives to improve the provision of pharmaceutical care for marginalized communities through community-based interventions, policy change, and advocacy. These passions were sparked during her time as a UConn student, “I think that was the time when a lot of seeds were planted for me. As a pre-professional student, I joined the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) and remained involved in the organization until I graduated. There were a lot of challenges we faced in just trying to establish an SNPhA chapter and get students involved, but I’m glad we didn’t give up. In my third year of pharmacy school, I participated in the Urban Service Track Program. Both SNPhA and UST taught me so much about health disparities, community outreach, and advocacy for marginalized communities.” Anyanwu developed a new service-learning opportunity opportunity for pharmacy students that aims to strengthen students’ capacity to educate community members on the safe use of medications while promoting health and wellness. The unique aspect of this service-learning opportunity (the Keney Park Summer Pop Up Wellness Series) is its use of an asset-based, community-driven approach, centering the efforts of various community organizations serving residents of the North End of Hartford. Anyanwu was awarded the Service Learning Preceptor of the Year Award for her efforts.   

Anyanwu’s impact extends beyond the School of Pharmacy, especially notable in her position as the founding Faculty Director of the BSOUL House (Black Sisters Optimizing Unity and Leadership) Learning Community in the Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities (FYP). BSOUL House officially launched as a living learning community in Fall 2023 and is 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.   

“I absolutely love working with the young women in BSOUL, they inspire me so much. As a UConn alum, being able to support a learning community that I didn’t have as a student is one of my greatest joys.” 

Anyanwu is also active in various professional organizations, including the National Pharmaceutical Association, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and American Public Health Association. 

Receiving the Robert L. McCarthy Faculty Service Award is a full-circle moment for Anyanwu. As once an active student leader to now an active faculty member, her service to the school community has not wavered. “I’m grateful for receiving the award – this is something that I share with several individuals who were instrumental in my journey. I’m grateful for their vision, their mentorship, and their encouragement,” she says. 

Anyanwu will receive her award during commencement weekend in May.