Many professional athletes struggle to balance schoolwork and their busy practice schedule. While many prioritize school, others find creative ways to fit school work into their schedule. We researched which basketball players have earned doctorates in education. We also learned where some of them went to school. Among these are Shaquille O’Neal, Louisiana State University, and Xavier University.
Shaquille O’Neal
It might not be immediately obvious, but Shaquille O’Neal is one of the few NBA players to have earned a doctorate in education. He earned his doctorate in education from Barry University, a private Catholic school in Florida. His final project focused on the use of humor in business environments.
Although Shaquille O’Neal has won numerous awards and championships, earning a doctorate is his greatest accomplishment. This honor was the result of a long and rigorous educational journey. O’Neal completed 54 credit hours of courses at Barry University, most of which were online or video-conferenced. In the end, he earned a 3.813 grade-point average.
While he is probably best known for his role as a basketball player, Shaq’s doctorate in education proves that education is not dead. In fact, O’Neal is one of the richest sports stars in history, having been drafted out of high school. His net worth is estimated at over $350 million.
The renowned athlete was joined by more than 1,100 people in the ceremony to celebrate his doctorate. After receiving the degree, Shaquille O’Neal got back into the classroom and earned a master’s degree. Then, he landed a career in business. He now runs more than 200 businesses.
After winning the NBA Championship in 2006, the NBA star decided to return to school to earn his doctorate. He had promised his mother to finish his Bachelor of Science in general studies before being drafted by the Orlando Magic. He was able to complete his studies in 2005 and eventually earned an MBA as well.
In addition to his professional career, O’Neal’s doctorate in education has earned him a $400 million net worth. While a majority of his net worth is derived from NBA salaries, the rest comes from his endorsement contracts and other earnings. He earns around $60 million per year from his endorsement deals.
Barry University
NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, known by countless nicknames, has graduated from Barry University. He will receive his doctorate in education, focusing on organizational learning. The former All-Star will be one of 1,100 graduates in Saturday’s commencement ceremony. O’Neal earned a 3.81 GPA in the academic program and completed courses in video conferencing and organizational learning.
It’s difficult for professional athletes to complete college degrees. But some of them put their education first and find creative ways to manage their schoolwork and busy schedules. Dr. O’Neal is just one of many former basketball players who have achieved academic success. Magic Johnson also received an honorary doctorate from Xavier University this past weekend.
Shaquille O’Neal is a former All-Star, a four-time NBA champion and a businessman. He’s also a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Barry University. The former NBA star wore a custom-made red XXXL gown to accept the degree. He was able to get down on one knee to accept the degree.
After winning the NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2006, Shaquille O’Neal decided to go back to school. He spent four and a half years studying to earn his doctorate in organizational learning, leadership, and human resource development. He’s now pursuing his next career in law.
The former NBA superstar has a net worth of over $350 million. He credits his mother for encouraging him to continue his education. Shaq is the only NBA player to earn two degrees. However, his mother encouraged him to get his master’s degree and doctorate, so he could better support his children and himself.
Louisiana State University
A former NBA star, Shaquille O’Neal, has become one of the most famous sports figures ever to earn a doctorate degree. The Louisiana State University graduate earned his degree before he quit to pursue his career in the NBA, movies, and rap music. Eight years after he left school, Shaquille returned to complete his degree.
During the 1996-97 season, Shaquille O’Neal, who is the son of a retired Army sergeant, met Louisiana State University basketball coach Dale Brown during his time in Germany. After graduating from high school, Shaquille enrolled at LSU on a basketball scholarship. During his junior season, O’Neal left LSU to join the NBA. He then promised to complete his degree, which he did in 2005.
Kaplan, a global education services provider, teamed up with LSU to create the Credegree, a program that combines a traditional four-year degree with industry-recognized credentials in education. These credentials are highly valued by employers. While this program may not be the best option for every student, it is a great way for busy athletes to further their education and pursue their dreams.
Hill’s love for education was fueled by the teachers and coaches he had during his high school years. His first high school coach, Roy Banks, gave him his first pair of Converse sneakers. His teacher-education instructor, Carlton Reese, was another inspiration to Hill. He helped him become a teacher and eventually a college assistant coach. Hill served on the Nicholls staff for more than two decades.
Shaquille O’Neal has received many accolades and won numerous championships, but earning a doctorate degree is still one of his most proud accomplishments. The former NBA player is now a professor and mentor, and he has a doctorate in education from Barry University, which has campuses in Miami, Florida, and California.
Xavier University
Ryan Anderson, a former Xavier University basketball player, has recently been named the director of recruiting for the school. He previously played for Arizona, where he was named first-team All-Pac 12. Last season, he served as a graduate assistant at Arizona.
Tomlin, a native of Cincinnati, grew up in Cincinnati and went to school at Xavier University. He went on to play basketball at Ohio State University for one year, but left to work for a mattress manufacturing company. He then enrolled at Xavier University and played 41 games during his three-year career. He was the first black varsity basketball player at Xavier, transferring from Ohio State in 1954. Tomlin completed his final credits at age 72, and he received his degree in 2006.
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