Tonychris Nnaka ('15 BSN)

Tell us about yourself.
I'm Nigerian, born and raised. I moved to the United States to pursue my education and earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UTA, graduating in 2015. My academic and professional experience includes earning a master's and doctoral degree, working as a critical care nurse, a nurse manager, and a health policy advisor. I currently serve as the associate dean for research and associate professor of nursing at the University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Nursing in Fort Worth. 

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
Before choosing UTA, I heard glowing reviews from friends who spoke of its exceptional academic quality, scholarships, vibrant region, and rich cultural attributes. Their experiences painted a compelling picture, but it was my first visit to campus that truly convinced me. From the moment I stepped onto the grounds and engaged with the admissions and honors college staff, I felt an immediate connection. Then, receiving the All State Academic Team Scholarship, a full ride scholarship, sealed my decision. I knew right then that UTA was the perfect fit for me, and I was equally meant for UTA. 

What interested you in studying nursing?
I experienced a tragic loss at a young age when my senior sister passed away from a preventable and treatable disease. This profound experience shaped my purpose, inspiring me to dedicate my life to helping others and saving lives. After moving to the United States, I discovered a deep passion for serving those in greatest need, which fueled my commitment to addressing health disparities. I came to see nursing as the ultimate embodiment of compassion, with a focus on supporting communities and individuals at their most vulnerable time. I knew that a career in nursing would allow me to pursue my passion and make a significant, meaningful impact.

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
UTA was truly where it all began for me. My time as a student was unparalleled. I immersed myself in campus life, serving as a resident assistant and orientation leader, while also working as a research assistant and peer mentor. These roles taught me the profound meaning of responsibility and leadership through service. As a resident assistant, I not only supported my peers but also enforced policies and became a reliable resource for them. My role as a peer mentor allowed me to offer guidance on academics and navigating student life. Additionally, being the only undergraduate research assistant among PhD students at the Center where I worked at UTA provided me with invaluable insights and hands-on experience in research. These pivotal experiences at UTA were life-changing and invaluable. Today, as a PhD holder and academic leader, I proudly attribute my achievements and current role to the foundational skills and lessons I gained at UTA.

Did you receive a scholarship while at UTA? How did it help you to achieve your goals?
When I was at UTA, I was fortunate to receive several scholarships that truly made a difference in my journey. The standout was the All Texas Academic Team Scholarship, which covered all my expenses. I also received additional support from the Honors College and the College of Nursing, including the Dan Dipert Research Scholarship, which funded my undergraduate thesis. These scholarships allowed me to concentrate on my studies and maintain high grades without the stress of financial concerns. It was a huge relief not to worry about student loans. While many of my peers were managing significant debt, I graduated debt-free, thanks to this generous support. This financial freedom gave me the opportunity to excel academically and fully embrace my time at UTA.

"I’ve come to see failure not as something to fear, but as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow."

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
I completed my Bachelor of Nursing Science at UTA, earned a Master of Public Health with dual concentrations in Epidemiology and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, and earned a PhD in Nursing Science from The University of Texas at Austin. I also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Professionally, I have served as a nurse manager at Parkland Health, leading the Tactical Care Unit - a critical care unit dedicated to ICU-level COVID-19 patients at the height of the pandemic. I then worked as a health policy advisor to the Mayor of Dallas, the Honorable Eric Johnson. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the immense value of maintaining focus and keeping your eyes on the prize. Success isn’t easy; there will be challenges and setbacks - but with determination and strong mentorship, you can achieve your dreams.

As an alumnus that has given back in many ways to the community, including establishing a scholarship for CONHI students, what inspires you to invest in students?
I strongly believe in giving back to others, embodying the saying, "To whom much is given, much is required." UTA profoundly changed my life and lifted me up. As an undergraduate at UTA, I felt shielded from the world's challenges while being equipped with the tools to conquer them. Establishing an endowment to support future students is my way of giving back to the institution that invested so much in me. Contributing to provide other students with a similar experience to mine was an easy decision, driven by a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to make a lasting impact.

Can you share any defining moments in your career that inspired you to continue your work?
As the associate dean of research at my organization, I’m excited to help shape a new era in nursing science. It’s a significant responsibility and a true privilege to create a culture that trains the next generation of nurse scientists. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the leading researchers and scientists in the country, and now I get to apply that knowledge to develop groundbreaking research programs locally. Being in this role at this stage in my career feels like the perfect fit, confirming that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, contributing to the future of nursing.

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today? 
My undergraduate thesis advisor once shared a piece of advice that really stuck with me: “If you never fail, you will never learn.” That idea really resonated with me and has guided me ever since. I’ve come to see failure not as something to fear, but as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. Today, I embrace my failures as they’ve helped me turn what were once my weaknesses into my greatest strengths.

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
While you're at UTA, be a sponge - absorb every bit of knowledge and experience you can. Dive in fully, push your limits, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Be ambitious and make your mark. Grab every chance to grow and excel, and let your journey showcase your passion and potential. Be a Maverick.