Shaquille O'Neal Knows Basketball, But He Is Also An Expert On Higher Education

Shaquille O’Neal is best known for a successful NBA career spanning nearly two decades, which culminated in his inclusion in the NBA Hall of Fame.
But he also shares a passion for higher education, and to that end, the basketball star is serving as the keynote speaker at Ellucian Live 2019.
Over 7,500 people are expected to descend upon on New Orleans in early April, where Shaq and Tara Westover will be the featured speakers.
If you aren’t familiar, Ellucian Live is the largest user event in higher education technology.
The event offers attendees nearly 600 sessions on topics ranging from tips for maximizing current investments to how cloud and data solutions are creating efficiencies on campuses worldwide, to demonstrations of emerging technology.
So why Shaq?

Well, after leaving school early to enter the NBA Draft, O’Neal went back to Louisiana State University eight years into his basketball career and earned his bachelor’s degree.
In 2005, he earned a master’s of business administration through the University of Phoenix’s online degree program.
After winning an NBA title in 2006, O’Neal went back to school once again, earning his doctoral degree in organizational learning and leadership with a specialization in human resource development.
Additionally, he has studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy’s Filmmaking Conservatory and has fostered a philanthropic relationship with the Boys & Girls Club of America, participating in campaigns with the non-profit company for the past 15 years.
The Ellucian Live conference is taking place from April 7-10.