Dorothy Jean Tillman recently achieved a remarkable milestone by earning her Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University at just 17 years old. This incredible accomplishment has made national headlines, positioning Tillman as the youngest individual to ever graduate from the program. Her groundbreaking dissertation explored the crucial topic of reducing stigma around campus mental health services among college students through targeted outreach and education.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Tillman’s exceptional educational journey began at the young age of 10. She first attained her associate degree from the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois. Continuing her accelerated path, she became Excelsior University’s youngest graduate in 2018, securing her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts at the age of 12. By 14, she had already earned a master’s degree from Unity College in Unity, Maine, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to higher education at a very young age.
Beyond her academic achievements, Tillman is also the founder and CEO of the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute. This impactful organization is dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented students to excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, reflecting her passion for education and empowerment.
Reflecting on her time at Excelsior University, Tillman shared, “My Excelsior experience was inclusive and supportive. Access to my instructors was always at the tip my fingers. The standard of learning was innovative and provided context for making global impact on humanity.” Her words highlight the positive impact of accessible and innovative education in shaping future leaders and change-makers like herself.
Dorothy Jean Tillman’s journey to becoming a 17 Year Old Doctorate recipient is truly inspirational. Her dedication to education and her commitment to fostering opportunities for others solidify her as a role model for young people everywhere, proving that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary goals.
Learn more about Dorothy Tillman’s incredible story: https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2023/12/26/24007802/dorothy-jeanius-tillman-ph-d-17-years-old-teen-mental-health
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/dorothy-jean-tillman-chicago.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/she-earned-her-first-college-100000187.html
