Teen earns doctoral degree at 17 after defending her dissertation

A girl from Chicago achieved a remarkable milestone this month, walking in her graduation ceremony after earning her doctoral degree as a teen at just 17 years old.

Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II ‘s academic journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Her path to this accomplishment began at an exceptionally young age, demonstrating her unparalleled dedication and passion for education.

Dr. Tillman was only 10 years old when she embarked on her collegiate journey as a freshman at the College of Lake County, majoring in Psychology.

Her early start in higher education set the stage for a series of impressive achievements.

By 2020, she had already earned her Master of Science degree from Unity College, showcasing her ability to excel in demanding academic environments.

In 2021, at the age of 15, Tillman was accepted into the Doctor of Behavioral Health Management Program at Arizona State University (ASU).

This opportunity marked the next significant step in her academic career, allowing her to delve deeper into her chosen field.

Her choice of ASU’s College of Health Solutions was a strategic move, aligning with her interest in integrated behavioral health.

Speaking to “Good Morning America,” Dr. Tillman attributed her strong educational drive to her family’s influence, particularly her grandmother’s emphasis on the importance of education.

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Her grandmother’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement instilled in her a profound respect for learning.

“People in my life, like my grandmother, who was part of the Civil Rights Movement, of course harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always,” Tillman said.

This family background played a crucial role in shaping her educational values and aspirations.

However, Dr. Tillman’s motivation extended beyond her upbringing. She described her intrinsic curiosity and desire to learn as a driving force throughout her life.

“The way I always held education so high on my own, aside from being raised that way, was finding different things to be educated about,” she explained.

“It doesn’t just have to be all of the subjects that they teach you in school; there are so many things in the world to learn about that we wish we knew about. I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn’t exist for me.”

Her passion for psychology and related fields was a significant factor in her academic journey. “They’ve always made me so curious,” she said.

“And so, grinding away, I could continue to study in that area. With even more that was attached to it, it was just really intriguing to me.”

This enduring curiosity and dedication to her field enabled her to achieve academic success at such a young age.

In December 2023, Dr. Tillman reached a pivotal moment in her academic career.

At 17, she successfully defended her dissertation, earning her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from ASU’s College of Health Solutions.

This achievement not only marked the culmination of years of hard work but also highlighted her exceptional abilities and commitment to her studies.

Her accomplishment was celebrated on May 6, 2024, when she walked in ASU’s commencement ceremonies.

This milestone event symbolized the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that promises continued contributions to the field of behavioral health.

Dr. Tillman’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, curiosity, and the support of a nurturing environment.

Her journey underscores the importance of fostering a love for learning and the potential for young individuals to achieve extraordinary feats when given the right opportunities and encouragement.

As she embarks on her professional career, Dr. Tillman serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars and young people everywhere, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness in the pursuit of knowledge.

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