Dr. Alexander Okwonna: A journey from military service to educational leadership

As a community college graduate, San Jacinto College North Campus provost Dr. Alexander Okwonna knows firsthand the barriers students face. After struggling to work several part-time jobs to pay for his education, Okwonna turned to the military for financial relief. 

"I was young, not much older than 18," he said. "The call of money was strong. I saw that I could get a signing bonus of $10,000, and I was in. I didn't even really look to see what my occupation would be." 

Okwonna served as a sergeant and 62E Army heavy construction equipment operator. Like other non-commissioned officers, he and his team had the most impact on training and supervising junior enlisted personnel. The Army taught him about pushing himself. 

"Before I joined, I didn't know my limits. The Army showed me I can always go faster, keep running, and push through the barrier. This knowledge gives you confidence and can be the difference between success and failure," he said. 

Okwonna's path to becoming an educator began unexpectedly. While working as a hospital pharmacist, he impressed interns with his thorough explanations during an orientation. 

"One student asked if I had thought about teaching, and although I hadn't, I decided to check out a faculty position in the pharmacy tech program," Okwonna said. "I got the job, and the rest is history." 

Okwonna has been with San Jacinto College since 2005, working his way up into various leadership roles, including dean of health and natural sciences at the South Campus. As provost, he enjoys collaborating with different teams across the district and community to benefit students. 

I see myself in the students and understand their potential and challenges. This drives me to create opportunities to reduce barriers for them.

For his dedication to education and the community, Okwonna received the 2024 Community Excellence Award from the Community Assistance Provider of Greater Pearland in September. 

This award goes to individuals who have been visibly committed to community projects and initiatives that affect populations across an entire community. 

“As a student and a veteran, I have benefited from the support of countless individuals and community organizations,” he said. “Giving back is my way of ensuring that others receive support in their times of need.” 

This motivation also led Okwonna to establish an endowment in his name through the San Jacinto College Foundation, pledging $25,000 over five years. 

"I wanted to establish a scholarship that will give even long after I'm gone," Okwonna said. "At San Jac, we change lives and legacies through education. There is no doubt it’s transformational. You don’t only change that one person's life, but you change the lives of their kids and their families for years to come."