Dorothy Jean Tillman II, a 17-year-old from Chicago, has achieved a rare feat by earning a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from Arizona State University (ASU). She walked in her graduation ceremony this month, marking a significant milestone in her young but extraordinary academic career.
Tillman shared her journey on “Good Morning America,” revealing she was homeschooled before entering college at just 10 years old. By 2020, she had already completed a Master of Science degree, and by 15, she was accepted into ASU’s Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program. She successfully defended her dissertation in December 2023 and graduated in May.
Tillman credits her academic achievements to her family’s strong emphasis on education, particularly inspired by her grandmother, who was active in the Civil Rights movement. “My grandmother always emphasized the importance of education and continuous learning,” she said. “But I also found my own passion by exploring different subjects.”
Her professor, Dr. Lesley Manson, noted that Tillman is the youngest person in ASU’s history to earn this doctoral degree. During her internship, Tillman worked to reduce healthcare stigma at a university student health center, demonstrating leadership and innovation. Dr. Manson praised her as an “inquisitive” student and a true leader, highlighting the uniqueness of her accomplishments.
Dr. Manson hopes Tillman’s curiosity and drive will continue to inspire others. “It’s wonderful to see such motivation and leadership in someone so young,” she said, emphasizing the inspiring nature of Tillman’s achievements.