Black Mom and Daughter Graduate College Together, Both Earned Doctorate Degrees

Nationwide — Sharon Mallory and her daughter, Lauren, who are from Chesterfield County, Virginia, recently earned their doctoral degrees together, completing a shared academic journey that began in 2021. Their strong bond and determination helped them overcome personal challenges and finish side by side. In 2021, Lauren decided to go back to school for her Ph.D. Sharon, who had been retired for some time, jokingly said she’d join her. Soon, they both committed to the challenge together.

They admit it wasn’t easy. Sharon, returning to school after many years, faced moments of doubt.

“There were a couple of times I didn’t think I was going to make it,” Sharon told WRIC. “I am a woman of a certain age, and I hadn’t been in school in a minute. But [my daughter] was very encouraging — and my granddaughter, too — helping to keep me on point.”

Lauren also struggled, especially with her dissertation. But her 15-year-old daughter motivated her to keep going.

“I wanted to give her a good example of what it means to keep pushing through something that you start, not be a quitter,” Lauren said. “Just being able to say ‘I stuck with what I had planned for my life.’”

For Sharon, this marked her third degree. Her family watched her earn her bachelor’s, her master’s, and now a doctorate — all while balancing the roles of wife, mother, and grandmother.

In May, both women walked across the stage at Liberty University to receive their Ph.D. degrees. Sharon received a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration with a focus on educational leadership. Lauren earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy.

“I’m more proud of her than I am of myself for making this accomplishment,” Sharon said.