AMERICA | In a historic record, mother and daughter earn PhDs together in US. This has shown that no time is too late for academic breakthrough as both graduated from Liberty University in the United States earning doctorate degrees together amidst the rigorous academic challenges in such height.
At an age when one would not easily consider to study further, especially after retirement, Sharon Mallory alongside her daughter decided to set a historic record by achieving this remarkable milestone of earning doctorate degrees. While Sharon(mother) was awarded a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration, focusing on Educational Leadership, Lauren(daughter) received her Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy.
It all started with a joke from the mother during one of their conversations in 2021 when She pointed out her interest to her daughter about her desire to pursue the highest academic degree with the daughter. Lauren didn’t hesitate encouraging the mother to embark on the academic journey with her.
“When she was starting, I made a joke, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ And she said, ‘Come on and do it with me.’ So I did,” Sharon recalled.
Returning to academia after retirement wasn’t easy for Sharon, who admitted facing self-doubt and challenges along the way. But with encouragement from Lauren and even her teenage granddaughter, she pushed through.
“There were times I didn’t think I’d make it. I hadn’t been in school in a while. But my daughter and granddaughter kept me on track,” she shared.
Lauren’s academic path had started years earlier. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from North Carolina Central University (2007) and a master’s in Economics and Finance from Virginia State University (2009), life and responsibilities delayed her Ph.D. plans for over a decade.
Despite the obstacles, Lauren remained focused—motivated by the example she wanted to set for her 15-year-old daughter.
“I wanted her to see what it means to keep going, to not give up. Finishing what I started meant everything.”
For Sharon, this doctorate marked her third degree, each earned while fulfilling her roles as a mother and wife. But she says the true pride comes from watching Lauren achieve this moment.
“My family saw me get my bachelor’s, my master’s—and now, my doctorate. But I’m more proud of Lauren than I am of myself.”
SOURCES: Scholarship Picker, Scholarship Region