A Mother-Daughter Graduation Story Rooted in Love and Legacy

ASU Mother and Daughter Overcome Challenges, Graduate Together

Nicole Cosby and Kaiya King of Alabama State University Celebrate a Milestone Journey in Unison This Mother’s Day

A Mother-Daughter Graduation Story

“It’s overwhelming — in the best way. I feel such deep Black joy, pride, and honor. Being a parent and a student at the same time is no easy feat, but it allowed me to witness firsthand how God shows up for both of us.” — Nicole Cosby

In a heartwarming prelude to Mother’s Day 2025, Alabama State University became the stage for an extraordinary celebration. Nicole Cosby, 46, and her daughter Kaiya King, 22, graduated together on May 2 — a moment that speaks volumes about perseverance, purpose, and the power of family.

Cosby earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work while King crossed the stage with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. But their shared milestone wasn’t the result of years of planning — it was divine timing.

“My daughter applied, enrolled, and was accepted. At the time, I was a full-time salon owner and had completed nonprofit work in underserved communities,” Cosby shared. That nonprofit work reignited her calling, leading her back to a campus she once had to leave behind in 2001.

“Walking across that stage with my mom beside me is a feeling I can’t fully explain,” said King. “It just so happened to line up with my college journey… It’s like it was meant to be.”

This reunion with destiny began in 1999 when Cosby transferred to ASU but stepped away due to mental health challenges and lack of family support. More than two decades later, she returned — determined and inspired — to finish what she had started.

Cosby’s return to education wasn’t simply academic. For years, she had empowered others through her salon, even offering hair care guidance to transracial families. Now, she hopes to support Black children adopted into white families as a licensed therapist — providing culturally competent care and helping to prevent racial trauma.

King, a talented dancer and first-generation graduate, didn’t walk this journey alone either. “My mom supported me in the most subtle but powerful ways. She sends me quotes, scriptures, and prayers all the time,” she said.

“I made sure she was celebrated every semester,” Cosby noted. “I even started a Bama State parent group to help build community and provide extra support for our students.”

When King faced a financial hurdle before graduation, the ASU Cares retention scholarship stepped in to lift the burden.

“ASU Cares made a huge impact on my journey,” King said. “The assistance they provided lifted a weight off my shoulders… I’ll forever be grateful for that help. It changed everything.”

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude,” Cosby added. “They didn’t have to do it — but they did — and that’s just who ASU is.”

Now, both women are on to bold new chapters. King is pressing pause on dance to dive into the business and marketing world, while Cosby prepares to begin her Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan — backed by nearly $60,000 in scholarships.

Alabama State University celebrates spring graduates

“I’ve been awarded… and accepted into the University of Michigan’s Master of Social Work program, which I’ll begin in fall 2025,” Cosby said. “My goal is to specialize in mental health and substance abuse and pursue a career as a sports social worker.”

Their advice to others considering an academic path as a family is simple — and powerful.

“Build a strong support system and find your village,” Cosby said. “Celebrate every single milestone—big or small—together.”

“Do it,” King added. “It teaches you patience, support, and how powerful family can be… Plus, having someone in your corner who understands the late nights and early mornings is a blessing.”

Nicole and Kaiya’s journey is more than just a feel-good graduation story — it’s a testament to second chances, divine alignment, and generational healing. In an age where education, mental health, and family are often siloed, their story proves that embracing all three — together — can create something truly extraordinary. Alabama State University didn’t just produce two more graduates that day; it nurtured a legacy of resilience and love that will echo for generations.

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