Anthony Onwuegbuzia

Anthony Onwuegbuzia began his academic journey in 2017 as a non-traditional student at Compton College, where he describes the education, resources, personalized attention, and mentorship from faculty and staff as invaluable. Graduating in 2019 with an associate degree in sociology, he considers the support he received from the college a "gift," providing a strong foundation that has guided him to his current roles as a professional in higher education.

Now, as a part-time Africana Studies professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and administrative coordinator at the Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute at CSUDH, he seeks to offer similar motivation, guidance, and knowledge to his students. Reflecting on his career, Onwuegbuzia stated, "I have always had a deep desire to teach because of my love for learning. The fulfillment of my goals came naturally through hard work and by pursuing my passion."

Onwuegbuzia's association with the Dymally Institute began in 2019 during his undergraduate studies at CSUDH, where he worked as a student assistant while pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology. Following the completion of his degree, he transitioned into a full-time position as the Institute's Administrative Coordinator, playing an integral role in the development and execution of the Institute’s extensive educational and cultural programming. During this period, he also completed his graduate studies, earning a master’s degree in sociology.

The Dymally Institute offers a range of training programs aimed at cultivating leadership skills among current and future leaders. These include the Dymally Fellows Program, which provides students of color with international travel opportunities to broaden their global perspectives and educational aspirations. Additionally, the Institute supports the African American Leadership Training Program, designed for high school students, and provides entrepreneurial training for local businesses.

Onwuegbuzia takes pride in his involvement with the Dymally Fellows Program, a leadership initiative designed to foster political awareness, entrepreneurial skills, and civic responsibility among youth. The program emphasizes leadership development, advocacy, social and political engagement, mental and behavioral health, and economic growth. As part of his role, Onwuegbuzia travels with selected fellows both domestically and internationally, offering them unique opportunities for experiential learning.

In 2023, Onwuegbuzia further extended his contributions at CSUDH by assuming the role of part-time professor in the Africana Studies department. This position has presented intellectual challenges for both himself and his students. Reflecting on his teaching experience, Onwuegbuzia noted, “Teaching at the university level is an enriching and fulfilling endeavor, as it provides the opportunity to impart knowledge related to culture, self, society, and scholarship to my students.”  He has taught the following courses: Introduction to Comparative Ethnic and Global Societies, Africana Leadership in the Diaspora, and Introduction to Africana Studies. 

In early 2024, Onwuegbuzia initiated a social impact project in partnership with Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. His role in this collaboration involves the development and facilitation of a culturally inclusive curriculum for the church's Saturday School for African American History, where he serves as a lead educational instructor. The program, which caters to students ranging from elementary to high school, meets monthly and focuses on providing historical and cultural education.

During his time as a student at Compton College, Onwuegbuzia served as a Supplemental Instruction tutor, offering academic support in sociology to his peers. He also worked as a student assistant for the Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success (YESS) program, which supports foster youth. In this capacity, he organized and led workshops on financial literacy and life skills, coordinated food drives, distributed food gift cards to students, and accompanied foster youth on educational field trips. 

While at Compton College, Onwuegbuzia and a high school friend co-authored the curriculum for and facilitated Posi World (“Think Positive, Dream Positive, Be Positive”), a one-year motivational and social skills program for youth. The program was held after school at Rogers Park in Inglewood, Calif., with space generously donated by the park, as the initiative had no formal budget and was driven by the desire of two friends to contribute to their community.

Reflecting on his experience, Onwuegbuzia remarked, "The care and personalized attention that Compton College faculty and staff provided to students was exceptional and deeply appreciated. It’s important to me to give back to where I began my higher education journey."