Mother and Daughter Earn Doctorates at U.S. University, Set Historic Record

A retired mother and her daughter made history by earning their doctorate degrees together on the same day from Liberty University, overcoming personal and academic challenges to inspire three generations of women in their family.

Sharon Mallory and her daughter, Lauren Mallory, achieved a remarkable milestone by both earning their doctorate degrees on the same day from Liberty University in the United States.

Sharon was awarded a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration, focusing on 2021Educational Leadership, while Lauren received her Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy.

Their journey began in 2021 with a simple, joking comment from Sharon about joining Lauren in her studies. To her surprise, Lauren encouraged it, and the two embarked on their doctoral paths together.

“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.