Christiana Akanegbu
Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Akanegbu is an Associate Professor of Nursing Practice and a practicing clinician deeply committed to preparing the next generation of nurses. She finds great fulfillment in working within a collaborative academic and clinical community dedicated to excellence in nursing education and patient care. Her teaching philosophy reflects an inclusive, holistic approach that emphasizes student engagement, mentorship, and the development of competent, compassionate professionals prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s healthcare system.
A strong advocate for student success and retention, Dr. Akanegbu has developed innovative peer-mentoring strategies that foster belonging, resilience, and professional growth among nursing students. Her scholarship and service extend nationally and internationally through active involvement in professional organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the Association of Black Nursing Faculty. She is a Fellow of the ABNF Leadership and Public Policy Mentoring Fellowship and serves as a reviewer for the following journals: Journal of Comprehensive Nursing Research and Care, BMC-Springer Nature Link Journal, and Sociological Focus Journal.
Dr. Akanegbu joined Emmanuel College in Fall 2022 and was honored that same year with the Emmanuel College Saints Unsung Hero Faculty Award. In addition to her teaching and mentorship, she contributes to the profession through ongoing scholarly peer review and academic service, further strengthening the impact of nursing education and leadership.
What I Love About Emmanuel College:
What I value most about Emmanuel College is the meaningful engagement I have with students both inside and outside the classroom. The dedication and collaborative spirit of my colleagues as we work together to prepare the next generation of nurses is truly inspiring. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to launch and expand a peer mentoring program that promotes connection, resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging among our students.
- DNP, Nursing Education, Regis College, 2019
- MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Regis College, 2009
- BSN, Nursing, Regis College, 2008
- Nursing Diploma, General Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, 1996
Nursing Courses
Peer-Reviewed Publications:
Iheduru-Anderson, K., Akanegbu, C. O., Agomoh, C. J., & Jayaraman, R. C. (2026). Perceptions, reporting, and responses to depression among Black Sub-Saharan African immigrant adults in the United States: A scoping review. Nursing Reports, 16, 196. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16060196
Iheduru-Anderson, K. C., Ramdin, V. A., Akanegbu, C. O., Madu, E., Ugorji, J. U., Johnson, V. A., Mathews, N., Alexander, K. E., Chatmon, B. N., McCamey, D., & Deleawe, A. T. (2026). Autoethnography in nursing education: An integrative review of methodological variants, quality practices, and ethical considerations (2010–2025). Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 13, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393626145082
Iheduru-Anderson, K., Akanegbu, C., Ugorji, J. U., & Agomoh, C. J. (2026). Balancing resilience and vulnerability: An integrative review of the strong Black woman schema in nursing education and leadership. Nursing Open, 13, e70574. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.70574
McCoy, K., Okoro, K., Ugorji, J., Akanegbu, C., Alexander, K., Calvert, W., Mathews, N., McCamey, D., Iheduru-Anderson, K, Webber-Ritchey, W. (2025). Mentoring in Higher Education: Perspectives of Underrepresented Minority Nursing Faculty. The Association of Black Faculty Foundation Journal, 1 (3), 23-40.
Iheduru-Anderson, K., Akanegbu, C., & Ugorji, J. (2025). Redefining Strength: Challenging the Strong Black Woman Stereotype in Nursing Education and Leadership. SAGE Open Nursing, 11(1-14). DOI: 10.1177/23779608251382659
Iheduru-Anderson, K., Akanegbu, C., Ugorji, J., & Agomoh, C. (2025). Beyond Strength: The Paradox of the Strong Black Woman in Nursing and Leadership. Nursing Inquiry, 32(3), e70033. https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.70033
Iheduru‐Anderson, K., Alexander, K., Mathews, N., Ugorji, J., Ramdin, V., Akanegbu, C., McCoy, K., Okoro, F., McCamey, D., Calvert, W., Webber-Ritchey, KJ. (2025). From Bedside to Classroom: An Autoethnography of the Mentoring Experiences of BIPOC Nurse Faculty from Transition to Tenure and Promotion. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 12, 1-19 DOI 10.1177/23333936251369439
Akanegbu, C. O. & Iheduru-Anderson, K. C. (2022). Formal Mentoring Program in Nursing Education: A Literature Review. The Association of Black Faculty Foundation Journal, 1(1), 23-28.
Iheduru-Anderson, K. C., Shingles, R. R., & Akanegbu, C.O. (2020). Discourse of Race and Racism in Nursing: An Integrative Review of Literature. Public Health Nursing, 38(1), 115-130. https://doi.org/10.1111/phn.12828
Iheduru-Anderson, K. C., Akanegbu, C. O., & Inungu, J. (2020). Outsiders in Nursing - Voices of Black African Born Nurses & Students in the US: An Integrative Review. The Open Nursing Journal. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874434602014010120
Peer-Reviewed Presentations
McCoy, K., Okoro, F., Ugorji, J., Akanegbu, C., Alexander, K., Calvert, W., Mathews, N., McCamey, D., Iheduru-Anderson, K., & Webber-Ritchey, K. J. (2026, July 16-18). Cultivating resilience through mentorship: Autoethnographic perspectives of minority nursing faculty. [Conference presentation abstract]. Sigma Theta Tau 37th International Nursing Research Congress, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Akanegbu, C., Femia, C., McDonald, K., Goodman, J., Chu, E., & Balonis, A (2026, June 10-13). From Isolation to Belonging: A Proactive Pilot Peer-Mentoring Model to Support Lower-Level Nursing Students. [Conference presentation abstract]. 39th Annual Meeting & Scientific Conference of The Association of Black Nurse Faculty, Cancun, Mexico.
Akanegbu, C. & Iheduru-Anderson, K. (2025, June 11 - 14). Proactive Strategies for Retaining Immigrant Minority Nursing Students: An Integrative Review and Action Plan. [Conference presentation abstract]. 38th Annual Meeting & Scientific Conference of The Association of Black Nurse Faculty, New Orleans, Louisiana. USA.
Iheduru-Anderson, K. & Akanegbu, C. (2024, June 4-8). "Don't Let Them See You Cry”: Exploring the Impact of the Strong Black Woman Stereotype in Nursing. [Conference presentation abstract]. 37th Annual Meeting & Scientific Conference of The Association of Black Nurse Faculty, Madrid. Spain.
Iheduru-Anderson, K. C., Akanegbu, C. O., & Inungu, J. N. (2020). Outsiders in Nursing - Voices of Black African Nurses and Students in the U.S.A.: Integrative review [Conference presentation abstract]. 2020 Nursing Education Research Conference presented by the National League for Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International https://www.sigmarepository.org/nerc-2020/ (Conference canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak)
Akanegbu, C. & Iheduru-Anderson, K. C. (2017, October 20). Is Mentoring in Academia a Viable Response to Nursing Faculty Shortage? The Novice Nurse Educator perspective [Conference presentation abstract]. Massachusetts/Rhode Island League of Nursing (MARILN) 2017 Fall Conference, October 20, 2017, Sutton, MA., United States.
Akanegbu, C., Spatola, K., & Pohl-Domaldo, E. (2011). Nurse Practitioner to Novice Nurse Educator: Exploring the Fears Associated with this Role Change. [Conference presentation abstract]. Massachusetts/Rhode Island League of Nursing (MARILN) 2011 Fall Conference, Sutton, MA., United States.
Authored Mentorship Guidebooks:
Akanegbu, C. (2021). Evidence-based guide to best practices in faculty formal mentoring programs. Endorsed and implemented at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing.
Akanegbu, C. (2025). Evidence-based guide to best practices in a peer mentoring program for first- and second-year nursing students. Endorsed and implemented at Maureen Murphy Wilkens School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences.
Dr. Akanegbu’s research focuses on mentoring and diversity in nursing education, as well as leadership and nursing practice. Her work examines innovative strategies to increase student engagement, promote inclusive excellence, and support professional growth in the field. Her research is widely cited and continues to influence nursing education and practice nationally and internationally.