‘Brilliant’ Antigua and Barbuda national graduates from Towson University’s doctoral programme at age 24
The family of Maria Aretha James is still basking in the glow, after she received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Towson University on May 25, as well as the programme’s “Leadership and Advocacy” award.
The 24-year-old Antigua and Barbuda national was one of only two Black doctoral students in her class of 20 persons and was described by a lecturer as an “exceptional student,” a relative says.
Accordingly, her family was invited to stand and be recognized during the graduation ceremony, a relative tells REAL News.
The relative says that Maria’s accomplishment at such an early age comes as no surprise to them, since she has always been a “brilliant” young woman.
The newly minted doctor earned her Bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Oakwood University, in Alabama, before entering the inaugural cohort of Towson’s doctorate programme.
Her thesis focused on “culturally responsive care for adolescents with complex trauma,” and she is said to be “excited to begin her career” in occupational therapy.
Dr. James is the daughter of Myrna Browne James of Freemans Village and Trevor James of Swetes. The family now lives in Maryland, USA.
