Black PhD Candidate Achieves Remarkable Feat of Publishing 10 Books While Pursuing Doctorate

Nationwide — Troy Gathers is making history as a PhD candidate who has already authored and published ten different books. An HBCU graduate of South Carolina State University, he is a rising leader who often reflects on the famous words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – “Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service.”

While in undergrad, he quickly realized that his upbringing — shaped by public housing and welfare — stood in stark contrast to many of his peers, even at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Yet, he never let those differences define his potential. Instead, he made the National Dean’s List, joined the Student Government Association and Young Democrats, coached intramural sports, hosted his own radio show on WSSB 90.3FM, and began his entrepreneurial and motivational speaking journey.

Raised with the love and guidance of his Great-Grandmother and Grandmother, he credits them for instilling a relentless drive that carried him through every challenge. A scholar from kindergarten through 12th grade, he found a deeper purpose in college: to be a voice for others facing adversity. That purpose led him to speak at prisons across South Carolina, motivated by the incarceration of a close friend who received a 25-year sentence. His background helped build authentic bonds with incarcerated individuals, showing them that their current situations did not have to define their futures. “It is my faith in God that got me through the rocky moments in my life,” he often shares during his talks.

Despite transferring schools nine times throughout his K-12 education, he remained a high-achieving student, participating in NJROTC, school journalism, and Future Business Leaders of America. His perseverance never wavered. Today, he uses his life story to inspire students, returning citizens, and communities alike, proving that one’s circumstances do not dictate one’s destiny.

After earning an MBA from Strayer University in Charleston, South Carolina, he enrolled in a PhD program in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University. In 2025, he is now completing final research for his dissertation, continuing to turn personal history into a powerful academic and social contribution.

Through his publishing imprint, B.E. Y.O.U. Publishing, he has released ten impactful titles including Take Me With You (Volumes 1–3), Break the Cycle (Volumes 1 & 2), Systematic Female Ratchet, African World History, The King and The Tree Trunk, 107 Quotes on Friendship, and Trilogy. His books are available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.

The upcoming release, Break the Cycle 3: From the PJs to the PhD, promises to be his most powerful work yet. Through every chapter of his life, he continues to live out his mission—empowering others to break cycles and rise above, all while giving glory to God.