Miami Shores, Fla. – NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal will soon add the title of “Dr. O’Neal” to his résumé following his graduation this Saturday, May 5, with a doctoral degree in Education from Barry University.
O’Neal will join more than 1,100 Barry students graduating this weekend during multiple Commencement ceremonies at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. O’Neal, who is graduating from Barry’s Adrian Dominican School of Education, will receive his doctoral degree in Organizational Learning and Leadership with a specialization in Human Resource Development.
The Commencement ceremony is only open to graduates and their family members/friends, who must present a ticket to gain access to the ceremony.
For the past four-and-half years, O’Neal pursued his doctoral degree in Education while juggling the roles of athlete, student, and entrepreneur. He completed the requirements of the doctoral program while adhering to the grueling NBA schedule prior to his retirement last year as well as fulfilling commitments in broadcasting and business.
O’Neal achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.813 while completing 54 credit hours, comprised of 16 courses and six credit hours of self-directed research under the guidance of Dr. David M. Kopp, chair of Barry’s Organizational Learning and Leadership program. In addition to attending class on Barry’s campus and participating in academic sessions with university professors and administrators, O’Neal’s instruction was provided via satellite classrooms, video conferencing and Blackboard.com.
As part of his graduation requirement, O’Neal recently presented his Doctoral Capstone Project titled, “How Leaders Utilize Humor or Seriousness in Leadership Styles,” to Barry faculty and administrators.
In 2000, O’Neal returned to the campus of Louisiana State University to complete studies for his Bachelor of Science in General Studies – a promise made to his mother at the time he was drafted by the Orlando Magic. He received his MBA in 2005.
“This is for my mother, who always stressed the importance of education,” O’Neal said. “I am proud to have achieved a doctoral degree and wish to thank my professors and Barry University for helping make this dream a reality. I’m smart enough to know that, even at my tender age, my pursuit of education is never finished.”
Media/Press Conference:
*Please note that all members of the media attending Saturday’s event must check-in before 9:30 a.m. Media check-in will take place in the Board Room, located on the second floor of the James L. Knight Conference Center.
Only a limited number of media will be permitted into the 10 a.m. Commencement ceremony, and those attending must have already checked in and have press credentials to gain access.
Immediately following the 10 a.m. ceremony, O’Neal and Barry University will hold a joint press conference in the Miami Lecture Hall, located on the second floor of the James L. Knight Conference Center. All media who have checked in prior to the press conference will be given access.
Accompanying O’Neal during the press conference will be Barry University President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, School of Education Dean Dr. Terry Piper, and Associate Professor Dr. David Kopp.
Barry University is a private, Catholic institution with a history of academic excellence in the Adrian Dominican tradition. Founded in 1940 in Miami, Florida, the University enrolls nearly 9,000 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its nine academic schools and colleges, including Adult & Continuing Education, Business, Education, Human Performance & Leisure Science, Law, Podiatric Medicine, Social Work, Arts & Sciences, and Health Sciences.