Dorothy Jean Tillman, who founded the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute for local youth, received her PhD from Arizona State University at the young age of 17.
This month, a Chicago youngster who graduated at the age of 17 with a doctorate made her way into the commencement ceremony.
Before starting college at age 10, Dorothy Jean Tillman II said on “Good Morning America” that she was homeschooled during her early years.
She claimed to have graduated with a Master of Science in 2020 and to have been admitted into Arizona State University’s Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program one year later, at the age of 15.
Tillman, at 17 years old, received her doctorate in integrated mental health from ASU’s College of Health Solutions in December 2023 after completing a successful dissertation defense.
Dorothy Jean Tillman II attends the commencement of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona on May 6, 2024.
Dorothy Jean Tillman II attends the graduating ceremony on May 6, 20 at Arizona State University.AP view more about the Tillman Family.
She walked in ASU’s spring graduating ceremony on May 6.
Tillman said to “GMA” that her family’s history has contributed to the strong appreciation she has always had for education.
“People in my life like my grandmother, who was part of the Civil Rights movement, she of course harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always,” Tillman stated. “But 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 said, “I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn’t exist for me.”
“GMA” was informed by Dr. Lesley Manson, an ASU clinical associate professor, that Tillman is the youngest graduate student in the history of the school to receive a doctorate in integrated mental health.
According to Manson, she was in charge of Tillman’s dissertation for the ASU Online doctoral program.
According to Manson, Tillman conducted an internship at a university student health clinic and produced a journal paper based on her dissertation during her studies.
“She really led change and worked on different forms of management to really reduce healthcare stigma and improve that student population there to be able to enter and accept student health services,” Tillman was described as. “It was wonderful to see her and help her navigate some of those personal and professional interactions and grow through those experiences.”
Tillman was characterized by Manson as a “inquisitive” and “innovative” student, emphasizing how uncommon it is for a student to achieve what she has thus far.
“It’s a wonderful celebration … but this is still something so rare and unique,” she continued. “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 expressed her hope that Tillman’s passion for learning will continue to inspire others, stating, “It’s great to be able to see that in someone so young as well. That curiosity is always there, and I think all learners come with that.”
Her motivation and her commitment to the community
Tillman claimed that her mother is one of her main motivators and that without her support, her personal path would not be possible.
“Seeing my mother consistently work so hard to continuously uphold our family’s legacy, and be that person that everyone was able to go to, if they needed anything … always seeing [her] like [a] ‘wonder woman’ definitely made me want to grow up [into] an accomplished person,” she stated.
In addition to being a proponent of education, Tillman founded and serves as CEO of a leadership center that prioritizes STEM and the arts.
“I feel like adding art and putting a focus on it throughout science, technology, engineering and math makes the kids excited to learn all those things,” she stated. “And it opens them up to all of the possibilities and all the knowledge provided in that area of just STEM.”
After graduating, Tillman stated that she is “just like any other teenager, still figuring out what my specific dreams and goals are.”
“I’m really just grateful that the world is my oyster, and that I’ve done so much so young,” she stated. “And I have time to kind of think that through.”
Tillman went on to say that she thinks her experience will teach young people that it’s okay to keep figuring out what you want to accomplish with your life.
“Always remember that everyone has points in their life where they feel like they’re figuring it out,” she continued. Therefore, it’s okay to figure things out and not know what you want. However, choosing not to take a seat and attempt to work things out is.”
