Stanley Peter Anukwuocha, MPA, ACIPM
Founder/Chairman of the Board
Stanley is a distinguished professional in human resources, public administration, and nonprofit management with a passion for empowering communities and fostering youth development. He holds a National Diploma in Public Administration and Management with an upper credit (magna cum laude) from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, Nigeria. Building upon this foundation, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Nigeria, graduating with first-class honors (summa cum laude). Stanley’s academic excellence earned him the Vice-Chancellor’s Award as the best graduating student in November 2017. Following this achievement, he joined MOUAU as a Graduate Assistant, where he taught courses in human resource management and co-authored several publications. Following this appointment, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Nonprofit Management from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in May 2024, graduating with distinction (summa cum laude). Stanley’s professional certifications include a Professional Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) of Nigeria and a Google Career Certificate in Project Management, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning.
During his masters degree at NIU, he served as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Public Administration, leveraging his knowledge and skills to contribute to the academic community. With a strong foundation in public administration and a specialization in nonprofit management, Stanley has made significant contributions to the sector.
Awards During his MPA program at NIU between August 2022 and May 2023.
Stanley has garnered several prestigious scholarships, awards, and fellowships at both national and local levels. The notable recognitions he has received are as follows:
1. Google Career Certificate Scholarship Program in Project Management: Stanley secured a highly competitive scholarship that provided him with free access to flexible online training, accelerating his path to a well-paid position in a rapidly growing field. He diligently completed this online course from January 2023 to March 2023, culminating in a capstone project. Through the program, Stanley acquired proficiency in various project management tools such as Asana, Gantt chart, and spreadsheet. In addition, he developed essential soft skills including interpersonal, leadership, networking, communication (email conversations, presentations, and presiding over official meetings), among others.
2. Recipient of the 2023 ILCMA Winter Conference scholarship: Stanley was honored with a
scholarship award in February 2023, enabling his participation in the prestigious winter conference organized by the Illinois City/County Management Association. The scholarship comprehensively covers the expenses related to conference registration, accommodations, and meals throughout the event duration. The conference took place from the 8th to the 10th day of February 2023 at Marriot Hotel in Bloomington Normal, Illinois.
3. 2023 Scholarship of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA): This scholarship program recognizes exceptional African American and minority students who are enrolled full-time at an accredited, traditional four-year college or university, preferably at an HBCU, and have demonstrated outstanding scholarship and leadership, particularly in the realm of public service. Stanley was granted the scholarship, which encompassed a $5,000 monetary award, round-trip flight tickets to and from the Minneapolis hosting the 2023 annual NFBPA conference, hotel accommodations, conference registration, and meals. The award ceremony took place on April 28, 2023. 2023 NFBPA Scholarship Award.
4. 2023 Graduate Leadership Award of Northern Illinois University: The Graduate Leadership Award acknowledges graduate students who have exhibited remarkable involvement on campus, transcending their coursework, professional commitments, and family responsibilities. Recipients of this award have excelled in demonstrating their ability to maintain a balance between work, school, and personal life. The honor commemorates Kevin D. Knight, an esteemed NIU alumnus who exemplified outstanding leadership qualities. Kevin made significant contributions to the
university, fostering positive change and serving as a role model for emerging student leaders. Stanley was honored with this prestigious award on April 26, 2023, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to leadership and active participation in various aspects of campus life. Notably, Stanley’s engagement extended to his role as senator, representing graduate students for the
2023/2024 academic session. This achievement further underscores his dedication to advancing the interests of his fellow students and his outstanding contributions to the university community. 2023 NIU Graduate Leadership Award.
5. James M. & Audrey M. Banovetz Fellowship: Established to honor the esteemed Professor Emeritus James M. Banovetz, who played a pivotal role in establishing the NIU MPA program as one of the nation’s premier programs, this fellowship program encourages NIU MPA students to engage in professional association activities. Traditionally, the fellowship, in line with Arnold’s preferences, is awarded to a student specializing in local government management, enabling them to attend the 2023 International City/County Management Association conference. Stanley received this fellowship on May 12, 2023, during the Department of Public Administration award and graduation ceremony.
6. Outstanding Peer Award (2024): A recognition during his convocation at NIU for his exemplary peer support and contributions to the university community.
7. Student Spotlight of the Year (2023): Recognized by the Department of Public Administration at NIU for his academic achievements and leadership.
Special Accomplishments
Stanley has demonstrated exceptional leadership in several capacities, including serving as Vice-President of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) NIU Student Chapter and as a Senator representing graduate students at NIU. He is also the Secretary General of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) USA Branch, where he contributes to the professional development of members.
In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Stanley is the Founder and Chairman of Education African Scholars Global Connect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering African youths to pursue higher educationabroad. Through his leadership, the organization has facilitated the admission and scholarship success of so many students from different countries in Africa.
Career Plans
Looking ahead, Stanley aims to gain practical experience in local government management and nonprofit management before pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration or Human Resource Management. His ultimate goal is to become a professor, where he can share his knowledge and inspire the next generation of leaders.