CQU graduate John Millar is the Director of Physical Facilities and Information Technology for the Pacific Area for the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The Sydney-based man is graduating in Rockhampton on Saturday with the Professional Doctorate (Transdisciplinary Studies).

He is only the fourth person to graduate with this relatively new award.

Mr Millar, originally of Rockhampton, attended Frenchville Primary and North Rockhampton High School.

Now aged 55, he said he was the first member of his family to receive a university education and the only person from his primary school class to have a post-graduate degree.

"Considering the fact that I achieved only a 69% in my scholarship (year 8 now) exam and one A, 2 Bs and 5 Cs in my junior year (now year 10) it is amazing that I have achieved anything," he said.

"Having started out as an apprentice fitter in the Railway Department after year 10 to having a Bachelor, Masters and now a doctorate is nearly a miracle.

"I am the parent of eight children and have completed all my studies externally or part-time. I have qualified as a Venturer and Group Leader in the Scouting movement and have held numerous lay positions in the church.

"My father passed away when I was 15 years of age and so my mother raised me during my turbulent teenage years. I was the lead singer of the top Rockhampton band, 'The Centaurs', during the 70s so things have changed significantly during that time.".

Mr Millar's project topic was "An Evaluation of Change in Facility Management in a non-profit organisation".

"The research has been accepted by my organisation and is now being implemented," he said.