By Nurat Uthman
A Chicago teenager recently participated in her graduation ceremony after completing her doctoral degree at the age of 17.
Dorothy Jean Tillman II shared her joy over this remarkable achievement, describing the commencement week as “surreal” and “full of reflection and inspiration” in an Instagram post.
Tillman, who was homeschooled during her early years, began college at the age of 10, according to her interview with “Good Morning America.”
In 2020, Tillman earned a Master of Science degree, and the following year, at the age of 15, she was admitted to the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program at Arizona State University.
In December 2023, at the age of 17, Tillman successfully defended her dissertation, earning her doctoral degree in integrated behavioural health from ASU’s College of Health Solutions.
Her achievement was celebrated during ASU’s spring commencement on May 6, 2024, when Tillman joined her classmates in person.
“Everything that we were doing didn’t seem abnormal to me or out of the ordinary until it started getting all of the attention,” said Tillman, now 18, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Tillman attributes her educational pursuits and successes to the guidance of her grandmother and the trust she placed in her mother’s advice.
According to Leslie Manson, the associate professor who supervised Tillman’s dissertation through ASU’s online program, Tillman holds the distinction of being the youngest person to complete a doctoral degree in integrated behavioural health at ASU.
“It’s a wonderful celebration … but this is still something so rare and unique.
“She has innovative ideas and motivation, which is wonderful, and truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader,” Manson said.
Now that she has completed her degrees, Tillman expressed her intention to continue reflecting on her specific goals.
She also plans to devote attention to her other interests, such as public speaking and a leadership institute she established.
“I’m really just grateful that the world is my oyster, and that I’ve done so much so young.
“And I have time to kind of think that through,” she said.
