CHICAGO. Dorothy Jean Tillman II, a remarkable teen from Chicago, has reached an extraordinary milestone by earning her doctorate in integrated behavioral health from Arizona State University at just 17 years old. This achievement marks the latest step in a higher education journey that began when she took her first college course at age 10.
Tillman’s academic path includes earning an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree before her recent doctoral accomplishment. Her dissertation defense in December secured her place as the youngest person to earn a doctoral degree in her field at Arizona State, confirmed by Associate Professor Leslie Manson.
“It’s a wonderful celebration, and we hope … that Dorothy Jean inspires more students,” Manson told ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “But this is still something so rare and unique.”
Affectionately nicknamed “Dorothy Jeanius” by her family and friends, Tillman is the granddaughter of former Chicago Alderwoman Dorothy Tillman. She began her college education through the College of Lake County in northern Illinois, majoring in psychology and completing her associate’s degree in 2016.
Tillman earned her bachelor’s degree in humanities from New York’s Excelsior College in 2018. Two years later, she obtained a master’s of science from Unity College in Maine before being accepted into Arizona State’s Behavioral Health Management Program in 2021. Most of her coursework was completed remotely, but she attended her commencement ceremony in person and addressed the graduating class.
Reflecting on her journey, Tillman credits her educational success to the support and guidance of her grandmother and mother. “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 shared with The Associated Press.
Despite her academic focus, Tillman acknowledges the sacrifices she made along the way. “I didn’t have the everyday school things like homecoming dances or spirit weeks or just school pictures and things like that … that kind of create unity with my peers,” she said.
Outside of academics, Tillman finds joy in dance and choreography. She is also the founder and CEO of the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, which offers summer camps to help young people engage with the arts and STEM subjects. Looking ahead, Tillman plans to pursue public speaking engagements and fundraising efforts for her institute, with hopes to eventually franchise the program.
Professor Manson praises Tillman’s motivation and leadership qualities. “And truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader,” Manson remarked.
Jimalita Tillman, Dorothy’s mother, is most impressed with her daughter’s ability to balance her achievements with grace and determination. “She knows when to put her foot down when choosing between social outings and her education,” she said.
Dorothy Jean Tillman II’s incredible academic journey and her future aspirations continue to inspire and pave the way for young students everywhere.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
