7 Shocking Facts About Dr. Shaquille Dillon: MAFS Star's New Life As A University Vice President

The narrative surrounding reality TV stars often ends when the cameras stop rolling, but for Dr. Shaquille "Shaq" Dillon of *Married at First Sight* Season 16, his journey was just beginning. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the former "University Director" has not only successfully completed his rigorous academic pursuits but has also skyrocketed into a high-profile executive role, proving that his focus on career and personal growth was a genuine commitment, not just a storyline. This article dives deep into the latest, most current updates on his life, his surprising new title at an HBCU, and the definitive status of his relationship with his former wife, Kirsten Grimes. Shaquille’s time on the Lifetime reality series, which documented his marriage to realtor Kirsten Grimes in Nashville, was marked by intense discussions about his demanding career, his pursuit of a PhD, and his readiness for a committed partnership. While the marriage ultimately ended in divorce on Decision Day, Shaq’s post-show life has been a masterclass in professional ambition and achievement, culminating in a prestigious new chapter that few reality stars ever attain.

The Complete Biography of Dr. Shaquille K. Dillon

Dr. Shaquille K. Dillon has cemented his status as a fan-favorite cast member from *Married at First Sight* Season 16, not just for his appearance on the show, but for his impressive academic and professional achievements.

• Full Name: Shaquille K. Dillon, Ph.D.
• Hometown: Franklinton, Louisiana.
• Current Residence: Known to reside in the Nashville, Tennessee area during filming.
• Age: Was 31 years old while filming *MAFS* Season 16 (2023), making him approximately 32–33 years old now.
• MAFS Season: *Married at First Sight* Season 16 (Nashville).
• MAFS Spouse: Kirsten Grimes.
• Decision Day Result: Divorce.
• Education:
  • Began matriculation at Southern University and A&M College in 2009.
  • Completed his Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University (JSU).
  • His dissertation focused on "The Impact of Social and Academic..." (a key area of higher education research).
• Pre-MAFS Occupation: University Director.
• Current Occupation: Vice President for Marketing, Strategy, Impact, and Innovation at Huston-Tillotson University.
• Personal Brand: Founder of the "Dapper Royalties" brand.

From University Director to Vice President: Shaq's Explosive Career Pivot

One of the central themes of Shaquille’s marriage to Kirsten on *MAFS* Season 16 was the challenge of balancing his professional ambitions with his personal life. Kirsten often expressed concerns about his demanding schedule and the time he dedicated to his PhD program. This focus, which some viewers criticized as an impediment to his marriage, has now paid off in a spectacular way, highlighting his dedication to his career in higher education.

The Prestigious New Role at Huston-Tillotson University

Dr. Shaquille Dillon is currently serving as the Vice President for Marketing, Strategy, Impact, and Innovation at Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) in Austin, Texas. This is a massive professional leap from his previous role as a University Director.

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This executive position places him at the forefront of the university's strategic planning and public image—a role that requires the very high level of focus and ambition he exhibited on the show. The title "Dr. Shaquille Dillon" is not merely an honorific; it signifies the successful completion of his Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, a milestone he reached in late 2023/early 2024.

His academic background, coupled with his high-level administrative experience, makes him a powerful figure in the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) community. He has been actively involved in mentoring and leadership summits, using his platform to motivate others—a key part of his personal brand, Dapper Royalties.

The Dapper Royalties Brand and Personal Impact

Beyond his institutional role, Shaquille has cultivated his personal brand, "Dapper Royalties." This venture aligns with his public image as a well-dressed, professional, and impactful leader. His social media activity often focuses on professional development, motivational content, and raising awareness for HBCU initiatives, positioning him as a thought leader rather than just a reality TV personality.

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This brand work, combined with his Vice President role, demonstrates that Shaquille’s post-*MAFS* focus has been entirely on building a powerful legacy in the higher education sector, a path that has clearly separated him from the typical reality TV trajectory. The successful defense of his dissertation, which explored the impact of social and academic factors, underscores his commitment to scholarly work.

The Definitive Status of Shaq and Kirsten Grimes After Decision Day

The relationship between Shaquille and Kirsten Grimes was a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout *Married at First Sight* Season 16. Their Decision Day was a highly anticipated event, with fans divided on whether the couple could overcome their communication issues and differences in life priorities.

Why Shaq Said "I Want a Divorce"

Despite Kirsten wanting to continue the marriage on Decision Day, Shaquille ultimately chose to end the relationship. His reasoning was rooted in the feeling that they were not "settled" and that he didn't want to hold her back from her dreams.

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Many viewers felt that Shaquille's primary reason was the immense pressure of his academic and professional life. His desire to complete his PhD and his demanding career as a university director were constant sources of tension. He needed a partner who was not only supportive but also fully understood and accepted the intensity of his professional world.

Post-Show Dynamics and Moving Forward

Since the cameras stopped rolling, both Shaquille and Kirsten have moved on, though their paths continue to cross in the *MAFS* universe.

• Kirsten's New Ventures: Kirsten has also remained in the reality TV sphere, notably starting a podcast, "D-List Diaries," with fellow Season 16 castmates Nicole and Gina.
• Shaq's Dating Life: Shaquille has made appearances on the same podcast, where he has been candid about his life after the show, including his dating life and the balance he has found since completing his PhD. While he has not publicly announced a new serious relationship, he is actively seeking a work-life balance that was previously elusive.
• Reconciliation Status: Any hopes for a reconciliation between the pair have definitively ended. Both are focused on their individual careers and personal growth, with Shaquille’s new executive position signifying a complete pivot toward his professional future. He confirmed during the reunion that he did not see a chance for the former couple to get back together.

Dr. Shaquille Dillon's journey from a hopeful groom on a reality show to a high-ranking Vice President at a major university is a testament to his ambition. His story serves as a unique example of how reality TV can be a stepping stone, not just to fame, but to significant professional success, making him one of the most successful and impactful cast members in *Married at First Sight* history.