CGCC welcomes new vice president of IT and Media Services

Dr. Charles Nwankwo

December 12, 2014 – Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) announces the addition of Charles Nwankwo as vice president of Information Technology and Media Services to its executive leadership team. In his position, Nwankwo will provide leadership to ensure that the technological services of the college meet the present and future needs of all students, faculty and staff.

"Chandler-Gilbert Community College relies heavily on technology to achieve our vision of ensuring every student succeeds,” said Linda Lujan, president of CGCC. “Dr. Nwankwo brings a depth and breadth of knowledge, particularly in a higher education setting, that will help the department maintain current systems as well as implement those technologies that will benefit students and employees.”

Nwankwo formerly served as the chief information resources and technology officer at SOWELA Technical Community College in the Louisiana Community College System. Prior to that position, he worked in the district information technology office of Houston Community College System in Houston, Texas. In addition to his leadership roles, Nwankwo has continued to teach as adjunct faculty in the classroom and online. His courses include biology, general biology, environmental science, earth science, oceanography and historical geology. Nwankwo earned his doctoral degree in education administration with emphasis on community college leadership from the University of Texas, a master's degree in environmental science and a bachelor's degree in environmental biology from the University of Houston.

“I am thrilled to join the Chandler-Gilbert family and the dedicated team of faculty, staff and administrators,” said Nwankwo. “I am looking forward to leading the division of Information Technology and Media Services and being able to contribute to the student success mission of the college.

Born in Nigeria, Africa, Nwankwo came to the United States as a young adult to pursue higher education. He attended a community college in Houston, Texas where he developed a love for technology and science and a passion for helping others through education. After earning his associate degree, he became a peer mentor to other community college students supporting their academic and social adjustment to the school. In doing this, he realized the importance of on-campus cultural diversity; an awareness that he is committed to sharing with his students to this day.

"I want to help students to learn, understand and to appreciate that we live in a global community and to embrace each other’s differences and commonalities as well as cultures," said Nwankwo. "I want to inspire and mentor CGCC students from different cultural backgrounds through my own personal experiences."