17-year-old Ian Schlitz graduates with MBA from Tarleton State University

Ian Taylor Schiltz, 17, made waves two years ago when he graduated from the University of North Texas at age 15. Just as he promised, he pursued his MBA and has successfully graduated, earning him the title of the youngest African American to ever receive an MBA, according to The Black Wall Street Times.

Schlitz enrolled at Tarrant County Community College at age 11 in 2016 and later transferred to the University of North Texas, where he graduated with honors. He was then accepted into the MBA program at Tarleton State University in 2021.

He disclosed that his love for video games influenced his decision when choosing Tarleton State University; he saw an opportunity to make a difference.

“I am thankful for the opportunities that the Tarleton State University MBA program has provided me. The program and faculty provided me with a great foundation of business fundamentals and helped me develop my critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills,” he said.

The young MBA holder also expressed his gratitude to the school for embracing him holistically and not allowing his age to deter him from continuing his education.

An avid Esports participant and enthusiast, Schlitz observed the lack of kids his age participating in local and regional Super Smash Bros. Fueled by his passion and observations, he launched Kidlamity Gaming to reintroduce gaming back to kids.

Refusing to deter his plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 17-year-old genius reshaped his business focus to create BeinBian Studios, a boutique animation studio that specializes in custom block animation productions. His determination and passion have driven him to find great success.

However, Schlitz is not done with his educational journey, he has been accepted into the University of North Texas, where he will begin another education milestone to earn a Learning Technologies Ph.D. this Fall. He plans to explore how gamifying education can be used to engage students in learning different subjects. He also plans to ensure that the use of technology in education is deliberately designed to ensure that the diverse communities across Texas and the U.S. are engaged and embraced.

The young graduate shared that he was excited to pursue his passion in the areas of Technology. He wrote on Twitter, “Thankful to have completed my MBA from Tarleton State. Ready to come home to UNT and start my Ph.D. in Learning Technologies at UNTCOI this Fall.”

However, Ian Taylor Schlitz is not the only brainy child in his family. His sister, Hayley Taylor Schlitz was the youngest graduate from law school at the age of 19 in 2022.