In 2021, at the age of 70, Joseph M. Grant earned his Ph.D. in Political Science with a focus on
American government and Black politics from Howard University, which he says has always
been his dream school.
“I always wanted to go to Howard; literally all my life. This is my first HBCU experience,” Grant
said during an interview with The Dig.
In 2015, he started his doctorate studies in Howard when he was 65. He said he wanted to
further his knowledge of how the Black culture influences political processes after several years
of prior experience in working as a lobbyist and serving in the government.
He was initially hesitant to pursue his doctoral but he eventually made up his mind and moved
from South Carolina to Washington, DC. He received a lot of support from faculty members
including the former dean of the Graduate School at Howard, Gary Harris, Ph.D., and the
director of the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center, Elsie Scott, Ph.D. as
well as his younger classmates and his family.
However, an unexpected tragedy caused him to delay the program for 2 years. He was
diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and although he survived after surgery, he suffered some
side effects.
“I could not comprehend what I read, nor understand its importance to what I was trying to do.
My surgery altered my course of study and seriously threatened my ability to complete my
program. I almost died,” he said.
In 2021, he finally earned his Ph.D. from his dream school and his next plan is to teach at an
HBCU. He hopes his experience would also motivate others, especially his 2-year-old grandson
Mason.
“I want him to know that his grandfather did it and that I completed my program at 70 after
facing many challenges. I want him to be really motivated to come to Howard when it’s his time,”
he said.
70-Year Old Man Earns PhD, Graduates With Honors from HBCU
