Exceptional Teenager Completes Doctoral Degree at 17 Age

Chicago-based teenager Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II has set a remarkable academic record by receiving her doctorate from Arizona State University at just 17 years old.

Tillman shared her achievement on Instagram, revealing she began her college journey at age 10. In a ‘Good Morning America’ interview, she described her accomplishment as “surreal” and “full of reflection and inspiration.”

In 2020, Tillman earned a Master of Science degree and, at 15, was admitted to Arizona State University’s Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program. By 17, she successfully defended her dissertation and earned her doctoral degree in Integrated Behavioral Health from ASU’s College of Health Solutions.

Tillman, now 18, was celebrated during ASU’s spring commencement on May 6, 2024. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Everything that we were doing didn’t seem abnormal to me or out of the ordinary until it started getting all of the attention.”

She credits her educational success to her grandmother’s guidance and her mother’s advice. Leslie Manson, the associate professor who supervised Tillman’s dissertation, noted that Tillman is the youngest person to complete a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at ASU. Manson praised Tillman’s innovative ideas and motivation, calling her a true leader.

Post-graduation, Tillman plans to focus on public speaking and her leadership institute. “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.

Despite her academic commitments, Tillman has also pursued interests in dance and choreography. She is the founder and CEO of the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, which runs summer camps to help young people in the arts and STEM subjects. She hopes to franchise the camp in the future.

Reflecting on her unique educational path, Tillman acknowledged missing out on typical school experiences but emphasized her gratitude and future aspirations.