Key Highlights
- Shaquille O’Neal, despite his $500 million net worth, recently earned a master’s degree from LSU.
- O’Neal advises graduates to continue learning and be kind, humble, and help those in need.
- Many successful business leaders and celebrities have returned to school later in life.
The Business of Education: Shaq’s Four Degrees
You might think this is new, but…
In a world where AI and automation are rapidly reshaping the job market, one NBA legend has proven that education never truly ends. Shaquille O’Neal, with an estimated net worth of $500 million, just completed his fourth college degree. This time, it’s a master’s in liberal arts from LSU. His advice to graduates: “Never stop learning.”
From Court to Classroom
O’Neal has built a business empire that stretches far beyond basketball. He’s turned his personal brand into a sprawling portfolio of investments, consumer products, and even a fried chicken chain. Yet, he warns that professional success ultimately comes down to something less tangible than credentials: “Your character will take you further than your resume.”
“Continue to be kind,” O’Neal said during the LSU commencement ceremony. “Continue to be humble. Continue to help those in need.” His words ring true, given his own journey from a high school dropout to a billionaire entrepreneur and educator.
A Decades-Long Education Journey
Born in Newark, New Jersey, O’Neal’s educational odyssey began long before he became one of basketball’s biggest stars. He enrolled at LSU but left unfinished due to declaring for the 1992 NBA draft. Despite his success, he remained determined to complete his degree. In 2000, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, O’Neal returned to LSU and earned a bachelor’s in general studies with a minor in political science.
“I’m the first graduate of LSU to graduate in crayon biology,” he joked at the time. “I’m excited about it; it gives me something to fall back on.”
Continuing Education for Business Success
O’Neal didn’t stop there. In 2005, he completed an online MBA from the University of Phoenix. Seven years later, in 2012, he graduated with a doctorate in education focusing on organizational learning and leadership from Barry University in Miami.
With his newest degree, O’Neal sought to learn more about sports psychology leadership. He’s also backed Campus, an online community college startup supported by investors including Sam Altman. “I heard Jeff Bezos say, if you invest in things that are going to change people’s lives, you’ll always get a great return on your investment,” he told Fortune at the time.
“But this particular investment is not about great return because I feel everyone should have access to world-class education.”
A Long List of Lifelong Learners
While it may seem unusual for someone with O’Neal’s wealth and success to return to the classroom, a growing list of celebrities and business leaders have gone back to obtain degrees long after launching high-profile careers. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion started at Prairie View A&M before re-enrolling at Texas Southern University and graduating in December 2021 with a degree in health administration.
“Don’t get discouraged!” she wrote in 2021. “You can chase your dreams and your education at the same time.”
Conclusion
A Lesson in Lifelong Learning
Just like O’Neal, Steven Spielberg initially dropped out of college to pursue his film career but later returned to finish what he had started. “Most people go to college for an education, and some go for their parents,” he said at Harvard’s commencement address in 2016. “But I went for my kids.”
The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.