Dr. Anyikwa comes to academia with an extensive background that is quickly seen in the passion she exudes for Social Work. She received her MSW degree from New York University School of Social Work, and a certificate in Non-profit management from NYU School of Public Administration. She earned her Ph.D. degree from Barry University in Miami Shores.

Dr. Anyikwa has held numerous clinical and executive positions, including serving as Commissioner of Social Services in Greenwich Connecticut for over three years, prior to joining Saint Leo University. Earlier in her career, she served as Executive Director for the Brooklyn Psychiatric Centers, Inc. for over nine years, Associate Executive Director, and Clinic administrator for the Bushwick Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. She has served various task forces on mental health issues in New York City and New York State mental health systems. Her research areas of interest include mental health, trauma, intimate partner violence, cultural competence, particularly as it relates to people of African descent, women, children and families.

Dr. Anyikwa has published and presented on local, national and international levels on these issues and on issues related to teaching and learning in the online environment. Dr. Anyikwa has various other trainings, including advanced training from the University of Wisconsin in Program Evaluation, as a selected Scholar of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity Program (LEEAD).