shaquille o'neal dissertation pdf

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Leadership through humor, the comedy theories of Dr. Shaquille O’Neal, Ph.D.

“Happy employees = happy customers. Happy customers = happy shareholders.”

That’s what Shaquille O’Neal told CBS News he had learned by May 2012, when he received his Doctorate in Education degree from Barry University, a private Catholic college in Miami.

Casual observers — such as the upward of 6.8 million who follow @Shaq on Twitter , or the millions more who’ve seen Shaq’s TNT basketball commentary,  Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam on tour, TV and/or DVD, or even now, too, on truTV’s Upload with Shaquille O’Neal — can see and could have seen long ago that the big man has a sense of humor.

To drive home that point personally:  My one and only “favorite” designated Tweet is from Shaq, back on April 18, 2009, when he replied to Oprah simply: “ur caps r on, btw”

But we didn’t really learn more about Shaq’s academic thoughts on comedy last year, as his doctoral dissertation reportedly was only oral presentation, “How Leaders Utilize Humor and Seriousness in Leadership Styles.”  That’s what  Sun-Sentinel  columnist Michael Mayo found .

Until the last weekend in February.

Shaq delivered a keynote address on Feb. 22, 2013, at the third annual North East Texas Humor Research Conference , held on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Before you try to wrap your head around why a humor research conference would be so regionally specific as to even separate Northeast Texas into North and East, let alone the rest of that phrase (if you’d like to name-drop all of the other academic humor research conference in the comments below, go for it; otherwise keep reading), just stay focused on the big guy. Shaq. Dr. Shaq, that is. What can the good doctor teach us about comedy?

Let’s take a look at his keynote!

(h/t to  Chelsey Delaney )

Shaq’s keynote, “Half Serious 70% of the Time: Humor’s Role in Leadership,” gives us a window into his outlook which earned him that doctorate. Particularly since he delivered it alongside his faculty advisor, David M. Kopp.

Why are you still getting sidetracked by Barry University? Yes, it was founded in 1940 as a women’s Catholic college, and yes, it’s the same last name as an NBA Hall of Famer or two. That’s not telling us anything more about Shaq’s comedy theories, is it? Focus, people!

Shaq writes:

“Consider, humor is part of the Shaquille O’Neal brand, if you will. I frequently utilize humor with my employees and colleagues alike to get my ideas across, as well as a specific tactic to improve performance of followers. For example, recently one of my employees made a significant error on a project, and this was our interaction; I began: Okay, let’s change roles for a second, so you are me, and I am you. Now, tell me what you would do in a situation as damaging as this — what would you say to me right now? (The employee thought a bit and responded) You would say that I expect more out of you and this is unacceptable and better never happen again. My God, yes, you’re a mind reader! Have a great day and kiss the kids for me.

OMG LOL ROTFL no really?

That joke of Shaq’s probably didn’t get as many RTs and FAVs as this one-liner he typed on Twitter later that evening while watching his own colleagues on TNT : “Nice big momma legs chuck barkley” (This six-word roast earned him 779 RTs and 422 FAVs on Twitter)

For the record, SMU’s paper, The Daily Record , quoted Shaq also saying that day in February: “I use humor to show people that, even though I have this monstrous frame and I’m a competitive animal, I’m still a normal person and a nice guy.”

And this from Shaq on using humor in the workplace:

“Leaders have to make tough decisions whether to focus on the task or the relationship,” O’Neal said. “When you’re dealing with humor, you’re focused on the relationship. If your focus is to accomplish a task, you’re dealing with seriousness.”

On her blog Silence Before The Applause , SMU student Monica wrote that Shaq touched on the importance of timing, situation and audience in delivering humor — as well as the gender makeup of your audience. “Women have to be more serious when they lead,” O’Neal reportedly said. Why so serious, ladies? Tell us, Dr. Shaq!

As for his own brand on that popular Twitter account? Shaq said he keeps @Shaq balanced according to a formula that seems to work for him: “60 percent humor, 30 percent to inspire, and 10 percent to sell stuff.”

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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Shaquille O'Neal, Barry University Student, Is Not Actually Doing a Dissertation

Unfortunately, we've learned Shaq is not actually defending a traditional dissertation. Which is very disappointing for one reason: Dissertations are peer-reviewed and publicly available. And we already know from Shaq's Miami Beach Police application -- on which he listed " Laptop computer, binnochulars, master of surveillance" under special skills -- that his writing style is incredible. We were really looking forward to dissecting Dr. O'Neal's academic argument.

But alas, Shaq is getting not a PhD but a Ed.D., in Leadership in Education with a specialization in Human Resource Development. That department's chair, Dr. David M. Kopp, tells us that instead of a dissertation, Shaq has been working on a "Capstone Project".

"You present the project findings and any reflections that you have as a student to your committee," explains Kopp. The project is not peer-reviewed.

Kopp confirms of Shaq's Capstone Project: "He is looking at humor and seriousness in leadership styles."

News outlets have reported that Shaq-- who previously got his MBA from the University of Phoenix-- has "secretly" taken courses at Barry since his NBA days. We're not exactly sure how one of the largest and most famous men in the world can go unnoticed in a moderately-sized Catholic school. 

Kopp assured us that Shaq has not gotten special treatment in taking his classes: "He's done everything a traditional student would do. He has come to classes, but we have accomodated his NBA schedule and his work schedule."

He adds: "He's a very impressive guy, very inquisitive, and it's a pleasure to have him as a student. I think the degree will serve as an example for others, and he should be very proud of himself."

On May 5, Shaq will hold a press conference about his impending graduation, according to Kopp. That will most likely be one of those trademark wacky events Shaq likes to put on.

Shaq, we know you're reading this. Don't be The Big Ivory Tower. The world wants to know the proper ratio of humor and seriousness that should be utilized when leading things. So release your Capstone Project, and let the Internet be your peer review.

Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes .

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• Barry University

Shaquille O'Neal graduates from Barry University with doctoral degree in Education

Miami Shores, Fla. – NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal can now be referred to as “Dr. O’Neal,” following his graduation from Barry University on May 5 with a doctoral degree in Education.

O’Neal joined more than 1,100 Barry students who graduated during multiple Commencement ceremonies at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. O’Neal was enrolled in Barry’s Adrian Dominican School of Education and received his doctoral degree in Organizational Learning and Leadership with a specialization in Human Resource Development.

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 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.”

Is Dr. Shaq’s research worthy of advanced degree?

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Now that he’s earned a doctoral degree, bringing much attention to himself and Barry University in Miami, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal wants to be known as “Dr. O’Neal.”

But I’m inclined to call him dr. Shaq (that’s doctor with a small ‘d’), because the super-sized former Heat center appears to have done pint-sized research for one of the most advanced degrees in academia.

Over 4 1/2 years, while finishing his playing days and launching his broadcasting career, O’Neal did the required course work for his doctoral degree in education. Sometimes he flew teachers to him, and sometimes he attended class online and through video conferencing. He completed 16 classes with a 3.81 GPA for the school’s Organizational Learning and Leadership program, with a specialization in Human Resource Development (ya gotta love academic jargon).

But don’t go looking to read dr. Shaq’s thesis or research dissertation.

He didn’t have to write one.

Instead, O’Neal did an oral presentation for faculty on April 21 that included a video of interviews with four business executives, including one from Time/Warner, which owns TNT, where he now works. O’Neal’s subject: “How Leaders Utilize Humor and Seriousness in Leadership Styles.”

Can someone say doctorate lite?

Barry spokesman Michael Laderman said O’Neal didn’t get any special treatment and the oral presentations, known as Capstone Projects, are standard for doctorates in education, including at Ivy League schools.

O’Neal’s spokesman described it as “a more practical doctorate, as opposed to a research-based doctorate like a Ph.D.” I tried to speak with the good doctor himself, but Shaq was too busy with his NBA analyst duties and his next big event – a shirtless weight-loss showdown with TV cohort Charles Barkley.

Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s laudable that O’Neal put in the time and effort to get through Barry’s program. He paid around $45,000 in tuition. In a piece he wrote for USA Today, O’Neal said he wants to encourage others to pursue advanced degrees, and to show that even a former college dropout like himself can return to the classroom.

O’Neal’s graduation last weekend certainly was great for Barry, with extensive national coverage. “Frankly, it’s publicity we couldn’t buy,” Laderman said.

When I think doctorate, I think of some student slaving for years over research that will land in some arcane journal, but might actually unearth some useful information. In this case, something like an analysis of the humor/serious quotient of every Fortune 500 CEO, seeing how it translates to profits, share price, worker retention and customer satisfaction.

O’Neal’s final project sounds like something he could have slapped together on the set of “Inside the NBA.”

So congrats to Shaq, but I don’t know if Barry has reason to celebrate. It sure seems like the school made a trade-off, a prestigious sheepskin for some high-octane PR juice from one of America’s most recognized sports figures.

Who needs substance when there’s a celebrity doctor in the house?

[email protected] or 954-356-4508

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Shaq Gets Schooled in Education

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Maybe this guy just holds a special place in my heart because I once ran into him in a Sally’s Beauty Supply store in Phoenix (no, I have no further explanation for why he was there, and yes, he is massive!), but ...

... over the weekend, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal earned his doctoral degree in education from Barry University in Florida. According to The Miami Herald , the now-retired basketball star has been “quietly working toward his doctoral degree in organizational learning and leadership with a specialization in human resource development. He studied before and after games, and between his work on television as an analyst, often staying up to the wee hours of the morning to get work done.”

O’Neal—ehem, Dr. O’Neal—also has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Louisiana State University, which he went back to eight years after leaving school in 1992 to enter the NBA draft, and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

According to the Herald , O’Neal called earning the doctorate his “No. 1 accomplishment” in life, and cited his mother as his motivator. “Everyone thinks this is honorary,” he said. “But this is not honorary. I put in four and a half hard years staying up late at night, studying, reading, rewriting papers Dr. Kopp marked up.” He completed the program with a 3.81 cumulative GPA.

There’s no word yet on what (if anything) he might do with his degree. (Consider yourself forewarned if they start moving over-sized furniture into the principal’s office in your school.) But if nothing else, it’s nice to hear about a professional athlete who has continued to push himself academically.

Photo: Towering over his classmates, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal takes part in the graduation ceremony on May 5 at Barry University in Miami. (Peter Andrew Bosch/Miami Herald/AP)

A version of this news article first appeared in the Teaching Now blog.

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Shaquille O’Neal Earns His Doctorate

By The Associated Press

• May 5, 2012

The former N.B.A. star Shaquille O’Neal received his doctoral degree in education from Barry University alongside 1,100 other students during commencement ceremonies in Miami Shores, Fla. O’Neal high-fived other graduates as he made his way back to his seat along with his manager, Cynthia Atterberry, who received a doctorate in education. O’Neal compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.813 while completing 54 credit hours at Barry, mostly through online courses and video conferencing over the last four years. O’Neal’s doctoral project explored how business leaders use humor in the workplace.

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Shaquille O'Neal Becomes Receives Doctorate Degree

                                                                         (Image Credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

While much of the world refers to NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal simply as "Shaq," the towering 7-foot-1 former basketball center will soon have a new moniker: Dr. O'Neal.

Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla., will award O'Neal a doctorate in education this weekend after more than four years of graduate school work, including one-on-one class sessions O'Neal arranged to have as he traveled around the country, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The former L.A. Lakers and Miami Heat champion successfully defended his dissertation at the Roman Catholic university earlier this month after completing 16 courses, 54 credit hours, and finishing with a 3.8 GPA.

The soon-to-be Dr. O'Neal, Ed.D,  concentrated in Organizational Learning and Leadership, and wrote a dissertation, complete with an oral and video project, titled, "How Leaders Utilize Humor or Seriousness in Leadership Roles."

"He was a good student," Dr. David M. Kopp, chairman of the university's Organizational Learning and Leadership program, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "He is very intellectually curious. He is like a sponge, he takes everything in."

O'Neal, 40, will walk in the weekend graduation ceremonies with 1,100 other students at the James L. Knight International Center in Miami, according to the report.

Barry University and a representative for O'Neal did not respond to calls for comment.

Does Shaq have a PhD or Doctoral Degree? Shaquille O’Neal degrees

Shaquille O’Neal, also known as Shaq, is not only a superstar NBA athlete and one of the best centers of all time in basketball but also holds a doctorate degree as well as many other advanced degrees.

He earned his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) from Barry University in Miami with a thesis on “The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles”.

In 2012, Shaquille O’Neal graduated with an Ed.D in Human Resource Development, a program centered on organizational learning and leadership.

This doctorate is similar to a PhD in many ways, except it focuses more on practical application and practice than research.

The NBA legend started working towards his doctorate towards the end of his illustrious NBA career, stemming from a promise he had made to his mother. Shaq maintained that he would one day complete his education which he did by earning his doctorate.

Undoubtedly, his dedication to following through on this promise demonstrates his commitment to higher education and fulfilling personal goals.

Shaq’s academic journey began at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he played college basketball. After his early entry into the NBA draft, he completed several online courses to achieve his degree from LSU, showcasing his perseverance.

In addition to his Ed.D, Shaq plans to further his education by attending law school. This pursuit underlines the multi-dimensional nature of this iconic Lakers player.

What Shaq said about his doctoral degree in education:

What motivated me to continue is, you know, this is the field that I wanted to be in, organizational leadership. So, as I was studying, you know, the experts, you know, the John C. Maxwell, the Hersey’s and Blanchards. You know, I realized that, you know, some of the techniques that they apply were some of the techniques that I was already using, you know, to become the great leader I was in sports. You know, I realized that, you know, especially when it comes to task and relationships. And also, you know, as I started reading, I was like, wow, this is very, very interesting. So, I had to put myself in little kid mode, like I was reading Goleverse Travels. So, like, you know, I have a crazy war of brands sometimes. So, instead of saying, oh, it’s not the cop call man, I got to read 80 pages, I would put myself in. Okay, he did this, and you know, I would make it fun. And I got to be very, very fun, quite enjoyable. When you cross into someone’s field, one thing you must have is their respect. So, you know, if I’m, if I’m gonna call myself a police officer, there’s a must that I go through the same training that they go through. Gas masks, the tasing, the running, the yelling. You know, if I’m gonna call myself a doctor, let’s go through the same, same academics that each student went through. So, I don’t, I don’t believe in anything honorary.

How many degrees does Shaquille O’Neal have? His love of learning

What is shaq’s master’s degree.

Shaquille O’Neal, or simply Shaq, is a former NBA superstar who has accomplished a lot both on and off the court.

Even after retiring from basketball, Shaq continued to pursue education and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

He was highly motivated to earn this degree as he had taken a lot of business-related decisions in his life, including owning a few franchises and investing in many businesses.

Shaq also believes that education is important and encourages everyone to pursue it.

He has given back to society by endowing large amounts of money to charities for education, which is a testament to his belief in its value.

Shaq’s endeavors and his ability to balance it all while constantly seeking new frontiers makes him an inspiring figure to people of all ages who wish to achieve more.

Wrapping up

Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA legend, is a prime example of the importance of lifelong learning and personal development.

His academic journey is a testament to his determination and resilience, as well as his ability to balance multiple pursuits successfully. Shaq’s commitment to his education, coupled with his philanthropic efforts, make him a true inspiration for anyone striving to achieve greatness both in their personal and professional lives.

From earning his B.A. degree in General Studies to his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development, attending the Sportscaster U training camp, and even studying directing and cinematography,

Shaq showcases that there truly are no limits to what we can accomplish if we set our minds to it. His pursuit of law school and dedication to giving back to the community further highlight his commitment to personal growth and making a difference in the world.

As we celebrate Shaq’s lengthy list of achievements, we are reminded that success is not solely defined by our careers, but also by our dedication to expanding our knowledge and constantly striving to become better versions of ourselves.

Let’s take a page from Shaq’s book and remember that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and make a positive impact.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Does Shaq have a PhD?

By: Author James

Posted on Published: December 23, 2021  - Last updated: November 3, 2023

Shaquille O’Neal is widely considered one of the most dominant players of all time. Shaq managed to break all stereotypes and dominated other centers. In addition to being a great player, he also succeeded in education.

Does Shaq have a PhD? Shaq does have a PhdD. He graduated from Barry University, earning a doctor’s degree in organizational learning and leadership. The former center earned a degree in 2012 and in his dissertation he explored productivity.

Shaq managed to establish himself as a player who was unstoppable and he also managed to be equally successful in getting decent education. Let’s have a look at the player’s education in more detail.

Briefly About Shaq’s Career

Shaquille O’Neal retired from basketball in 2011 at the age of 39, having spent 19 seasons in the NBA. He won the title three times with the Los Angeles Lakers and the fourth time he won the title with the Miami Heat in 2006.

The athlete was named the most valuable player in the NBA All-Star Game three times (2000, 2004 and 2009). During his career, Shaquille O’Neal scored 28,596 points.

The former star of the NBA , American Shaquille O’Neal, has many nicknames “Shaq”, “Big Daddy”, “Diesel”, “Superman”. Now one more has been added – Dr. O’Neal. A basketball player, actor, rapper, police officer, TV presenter and other professions of the legendary ex-NBA center are known to people.

Shaq is Proud of his Degree – and Mother

The basketball player admitted that he is proud of his degree like nothing else in life. He hoped to become an example for others. If we take a look at the statistics, every fourth child in the United States does not complete the entire course of education.

Shaquille, whose height is 216 cm, had to get down on one knee so that the scientific advisor could throw the mantle over him. After that, he gave a short speech in which he thanked his mother. According to Shaq, she always pointed out to him the importance of getting a good education.

O’Neal has trained over the past four years (from 2008 to 2012) mainly through video conferencing and online courses. In his graduate work, Shaq explored the use of a sense of humor in the workplace by executives and businessmen. The average mark for the entire period of study was 3.813.

Big Aristotle

It’s no secret that basketball players’ educational achievements often end in high school or their freshman year in college , which they entered due to NBA restrictions. But there are also exceptions. Shaquille took care of his future in time, earning his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University in 2000. 

If you thought that O’Neal stopped there, then you are badly mistaken, because after five years, Diesel became a master of business administration at the University of Phoenix. In 2012, Shaq once again surprised everyone with his thirst for knowledge by defending his doctoral dissertation on Duality, humor and aggression in leadership styles.

Degree is Necessary

O’Neal is considered by many to be the most influential player in NBA history . In American reality, this event (getting PhD) is significant. The National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball are often criticized for recruiting athletes straight out of high school. The idea is that a career in big sports is a very fragile thing, ready at any moment to completely unexpectedly and irrevocably end.

No matter how well the athletes themselves understand this, they cannot resist the tempting conditions of contracts , because they have families, whose standard of living is often very low. And this fact, critics of the sports system, aimed at 18-year-old school graduates, prefer not to take this into account.

On the other hand, for some reason, the same athletes do not even consider the possibility of improving their education, and O’Neal’s example can serve as an excellent precedent in this case. He proves that you can get an excellent education while remaining among the best athletes in the world. With his diploma, O’Neal confirms that a sports career is short-lived, and after leaving the big sport, it becomes necessary to find a job, because the need to feed his family and maintain a standard of living turns into the number one problem.

The idea that, O’Neal would have to work in a “regular” job, of course, can seem quite amusing, if not absurd. His fees only for participation in advertising and reality shows are in the tens of millions. But for every star, there are countless high school graduates who drop out of college after talking to an agent promising a great future for them. But after a while it turns out that there are no chances for a professional future. Because in professional sports you need to run much faster and jump much higher. There is also a sad ending associated with serious injuries, which are not so rare in sports. 

O’Neal could use his degree in job search, and the range of options here is very wide: from the manager of the NBA team to the CEO of a large company. 

Many might argue that this is nothing more than a PR coup. Others will argue that both the MBA degree from the University of Phoenix and PhD is ​​of little value since it is taught remotely. The arguments are good, but they all lose their relevance in the light of the fact that the athlete has managed to do something that neither his colleagues on the sports ground, nor most of his fans can boast.

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