Shaq Partners With Miles College to Bring a Papa John's Pizza Store to Every HBCU Campus

Shaquille O'Neal is about to bring better ingredients to Historically Black College & Universities around the country as he launches an initiative to open a bunch of new Papa John's stores.

Earlier this year Papa John's partnered with Shaq, as founder John Schnatter left the company, and struck a deal that will net the star around $8.5 million in cash and stock options.

Right now there are 107 HBCUs with more than 228,000 students enrolled, and Shaq wants to make sure they have access to all the delicious garlic butter they can handle.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have paved the way for African Americans and people of other races to deservedly receive a quality education. HBCUs have been pivotal in the development of young minds; influential in highlighting the history and culture of African Americans and effectively provided a means for academic success," Shaq said in a statement.

Dr. Shaq, who received a doctoral degree in education from Barry University in Miami back in 2012, will hold an announcement event with Miles College's President Bobbie Knight to announce the Papa John's venture.

In anticipation of the official launch, Shaq explained, "Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘If you want to move people, it has to be toward a vision that’s positive for them, that taps important values, that gets them something they desire and it has to be presented in a compelling way, so that they feel inspired to follow."

He continued, "Today, I ask you to catch the same vision that the noble founders of HBCUs held in carving out a venue to education, independence, and success. Join me and President Bobbie Knight of the great Miles College, as we move toward a business initiative that will open avenues of opportunities for our HBCUs."

The public announcement will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 12:00 PM Central at the Miles College Student Activity Center.

And yes, pizza will be served.