The youngest person to earn a doctoral degree from Arizona State University. College at 10. Bachelor's at 12. Master's at 14. Doctorate at 17. Now 19 and building pathways for the next generation through STEAM education, speaking, and storytelling.
A powerful story about nurturing your gifts, believing in yourself, and understanding that success grows where you invest your energy. Written from the lived experience of someone who started college at 10 and earned her doctorate at 17, this book speaks to every young person who has been told they can't, and every adult who needs to remember that they can.
Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II is one of the most accomplished young leaders in America. At 10 years old, she enrolled in college. By 17, she became the youngest person to earn a doctoral degree from Arizona State University, completing her Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) while most of her peers were still in high school.
Through the DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, she has distributed over 3,500 at-home STEAM kits, engaged 5,000+ participants in workshops and camps, and created pathways for underrepresented youth to enter STEAM fields. 97% of participants go on to pursue STEAM-related degrees.
She is an author, keynote speaker, STEAM educator, and recipient of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Center Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award. She has been inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and holds a Ghanaian royal title as Ankobea Amma Akuffo.
Doctor of Behavioral Health, Arizona State University
2026 Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award
Historic inductee, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Ankobea Amma Akuffo, Ghanaian honorary title
STEAM Leadership Institute Founder, DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute
Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II delivers powerful, engaging presentations that inspire audiences from elementary schools to Fortune 500 companies. Her unique perspective as someone who navigated higher education as a child prodigy, combined with her doctoral research in behavioral health, makes every presentation both moving and actionable.
Creating pathways for underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through exposure, hands-on learning, and leadership opportunities.
For speaking engagements, media inquiries, book orders, STEAM Institute partnerships, or general questions, reach out below.