Troy Gathers, a PhD student, has already published 10 books while working toward his doctorate. A graduate of South Carolina State University, an HBCU, Troy has always focused on service and lifting others up, inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Growing up in public housing and relying on welfare, Troy’s background was very different from many of his classmates—even at an HBCU. But he didn’t let that hold him back. In college, he made the National Dean’s List, joined student leadership groups, coached intramural sports, hosted a radio show, and started his journey as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur.
Raised by his great-grandmother and grandmother, Troy credits them for teaching him to stay focused and determined. He excelled in school from an early age, even though he transferred schools nine times before graduating high school. He was involved in NJROTC, journalism, and Future Business Leaders of America.
In college, his goals shifted toward helping others facing tough situations. After a close friend was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Troy began speaking at prisons across South Carolina, offering encouragement and showing inmates that their past doesn’t have to define their future. His message always comes back to faith, saying, “It is my faith in God that got me through the rocky moments in my life.”
After earning an MBA from Strayer University, he began a PhD program at Walden University in Public Policy and Administration. Now, in 2025, he’s finishing his dissertation.
Through his publishing company, B.E. Y.O.U. Publishing, Troy has written ten books, 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 sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
His upcoming release, Break the Cycle 3: From the PJs to the PhD, shares more of his personal story and encourages others to rise above their challenges—always giving credit to God for his journey.
