Chicago Teen Prodigy Earns Doctorate at 17, Inspires with Academic Journey

A Chicago teen, Dorothy Jean Tillman II, has now earned her doctorate at 17.

At the young age of 17, the teenager from Chicago has reached the remarkable achievement of now being officially Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II, as she recently attended her graduation ceremony.

Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman's Academic Journey

Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II began her journey towards higher education at an exceptionally young age. She started attending college a few years before she even entered her teenage years, became a freshman at the College of Lake County, and majored in psychology at only 10 years old.

After college, by 2020, she had already earned her Master of Science from Unity College. Her academic prowess and determination led her to be accepted into the Doctor of Behavioral Health Management Program at Arizona State University (ASU) in 2021, when she was only 15 years old.

In an interview with "Good Morning America," Tillman shared that her family's emphasis on education played a significant role in her academic pursuits.

Her grandmother, a participant in the Civil Rights Movement, instilled in her the importance of lifelong learning.

"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 said.

Tillman's passion for education also stemmed from her innate curiosity and desire to explore the world beyond traditional school subjects. She always valued education highly, not only due to her upbringing but also because she sought out various topics to learn about. For her, the drive to discover new things was ever-present, encompassing more than just the subjects taught in school.

Passion for Psychology

From an early age, Tillman was drawn to psychology and related fields, which fueled her academic journey. She described her fascination with these subjects, saying, she found the complexities of psychology incredibly intriguing, which then kept her motivated to continue her studies in this field.

In December 2023, at just 17 years old, Tillman successfully defended her dissertation to earn her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from ASU's College of Health Solutions.

On May 6, she proudly walked at ASU's commencement ceremonies. Before the big day, Tillman shared her excitement, noting that the celebration and seeing fellow students, even those she hadn't met in person due to the online nature of her program, would be fulfilling.

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Inspiration and Future Plans

Dr. Leslie Manson, a clinical associate professor at ASU, praised Tillman as the youngest person in school history to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health.

Manson highlighted Tillman's growth in professional writing and leadership skills during her time at ASU, noting her innovative ideas and motivation.

Manson also mentioned that Tillman embodies the essence of a true leader, with her curiosity and intelligence being particularly remarkable. Other students, Manson suggested, could learn a great deal about dedication from Tillman.

As for her future plans, Tillman is still exploring her dreams and goals, much like any other teenager. She expressed gratitude for having achieved so much at a young age, allowing her time to think about her next steps.

Tillman also advised other young people to be cautious about the influence of social media, emphasizing that there is often more to a story than what appears online. She believes that figuring things out is part of the journey, and it's important to make the effort to find one's path.

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