During his studies, he was mentored by the distinguished Phylicia Rashad, an actress who later became Dean of Howard University's College of Fine Arts. After being accepted into the British American Drama Academy’s Summer Programme at Balliol College, Oxford, Boseman required financial support to attend. Rashad graciously helped secure a benefactor to ensure he could pursue this opportunity. Boseman later shared the poignant sentiment, "There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington." This referred to more than just professional inspiration; Denzel Washington was the benefactor who funded Boseman's tuition at Oxford.