Lady Sets Record at US University: Earns Bachelor’s at 18, Master’s at 19, and Doctorate at 23

Mikayla Raines made history by becoming the youngest person to earn a PhD in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

At just 23, MiKayla Raines made history as the youngest person ever to earn a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from UNC Charlotte. Her journey was nothing short of remarkable, reflecting a blend of academic prowess, determination, and inspiration.

MiKayla’s academic achievements were astounding. By 18, she had already earned her bachelor’s degree, and by 19, she had an MBA, both from Fayetteville State University. By the time she received her DBA, she wasn’t just adding “Dr.” to her name—she was feeling truly empowered.

A Diverse and Inspiring Cohort

One of the highlights of MiKayla’s DBA journey was the diversity of her cohort. The program was filled with women from all backgrounds, races, and nationalities, many of whom were balancing motherhood and their studies.

“I was amazed that these women took the time out of their busy lives to get the DBA. I was actually speechless,” MiKayla shared. “It showed me that I could be a mother and not stifle my dreams and aspirations. I can aspire and motivate other women to reach for what they hope and dream for. This degree is empowering, and little girls can see this as something that is obtainable. It is not only the men who can obtain a Ph.D. or a DBA. We can do it, too.”

Exploring Future Opportunities

With her DBA in hand, MiKayla was on the lookout for her next big career move. She was grateful for the degree and mentorship UNC Charlotte provided, but she knew the next steps were up to her.

“UNC Charlotte has provided me with the degree and mentorship, and it is up to me to find my purpose and how I can make a difference in the world. The DBA gave me options – it did not put me in a box,” MiKayla said.

Harvard Dreams and a Strategic Shift

After her MBA, MiKayla considered Harvard University. She even visited the campus and attended orientation, but the program’s focus on teaching didn’t align with her career goals.

“At the time, I wanted a terminal degree, but I was not compelled to teach, and it did not fulfill my career goals,” she explained.

So, with her mother and mentor, April Raines, MiKayla started researching other options. A simple Google search introduced them to the Doctorate in Business Administration, a degree that allowed for work in business and industry—exactly what she wanted.

Choosing UNC Charlotte

MiKayla chose UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business for its proximity to her hometown of Fayetteville and its weekend classes. It also offered the only AACSB-accredited DBA program in the Carolinas, a significant draw for her.

Real-World Research

MiKayla was among 12 scholars earning their DBA degrees that May, concluding a rigorous academic program with impactful dissertations. Her dissertation, “Customer Success and the Transformation of Customer Relationships,” offered both theoretical contributions and real-world implications.

“I looked at the aspects of the customer journey,” MiKayla explained. “Not as a traditional ‘master and servant relationship’ but as a more collaborative approach between a firm and its customers.”

Her dissertation used data from the COVID-19 pandemic to explore government-to-consumer interactions, examining different states’ responses to mask mandates and vaccine administration.

Defying the Odds

MiKayla’s journey was supported by faculty mentors like Dr. Reginald Silver and Dr. Sunil Erevelles. Dr. Silver highlighted her exceptional achievements, noting that the average age of DBA students was 44.

“MiKayla demonstrates that hard work, persistence, and resilience can result in classroom success at any age,” said Dr. Silver. “This milestone accomplishment positions MiKayla to impact leaders and organizations for a long time to come. It’s exciting to think about the impact that she will have over her career.”

A Tribute to Her Mother

When she received her hood, MiKayla’s mother, April, was there, cheering her on. MiKayla credited her mother’s mentorship and guidance as crucial to her success and dedicated her dissertation to her.

“My mother empowers me every day,” she said. “She has helped me succeed every step of the way.”

UNC Charlotte’s DBA program, launched in 2017, was the first AACSB-accredited DBA program in the Carolinas. MiKayla Raines’ graduation marked a significant milestone, leading the way as a symbol of what’s possible with determination and support.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, Charlotte.edu