AMERICA | National Basketball Association(NBA) legend, Shaquille O’Neal has earned a PhD in Organizational Learning and Leadership with a specialization in Human Resource Development from Barry University in the United States.
O’Neal, a 15-time NBA All-Star, four-time champion, actor, and businessman, chose to return to school years after leaving college to pursue his basketball career.
Initially, he attended Louisiana State University (LSU) but left early when he was drafted as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Though his success on the court was undeniable, he always knew the importance of completing his education.
O’Neal returned to LSU and in 2000, he earned his bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a minor in Political Science.
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“I left my junior year, so I was only a few credit shorts. So I go back to school, two hot summers in Baton Rouge (LA). And I’m loving it, but I’m hating it at the same time. But I’m like, ‘Just let me do it for my mom,” he said.
But he did not stop there. As his career evolved beyond basketball, he noticed that during business meetings, executives often directed their conversations to his agent rather than to him.
This realization pushed him to further his education. “I found that to be disrespectful. I’m making a final decision anyway. What you looking at my agent for?” he said.
Determined to take charge of his business affairs, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, opting for in-person classes instead of online learning.
O’Neal was inspired by his mother’s words who stated that none of their family members hold a doctorate which led him to enroll for a doctorate at Barry University. “We don’t have any PhDs in the family. So I’m like, ‘I could be the first out of all the O’Neals to be a doctor,” he said.
He dedicated five years to earning his doctoral degree at Barry University, balancing classroom sessions with satellite learning, video conferencing, and online coursework.
His Doctoral Capstone Project, titled “How Leaders Utilize Humor or Seriousness in Leadership Styles,” showcased his deep interest in leadership and personal development.
Reflecting on his journey, he told ABC News that he pursued education despite his successful career for three reasons. “One, I promised my parents I would finish school. Two, I wanted to continue learning. And three, I wanted to challenge myself,” he said.
He also admitted that adjusting back to academic life was not easy. “The hardest part was getting back into ‘high school mode.’ You ever have a teacher who assigns six chapters over the weekend? That was tough,” he said.
Despite the challenges, O’Neal graduated with a 3.813 grade point average in 2012. Looking ahead, he hopes to become a motivational speaker and even has plans to attend law school.
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