In a heartwarming celebration of perseverance and familial bond, Nicole Cosby, 46, and her daughter, Kaiya King, 22, graduated together from Alabama State University (ASU) on May 2, 2025. Cosby earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, while King received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.

Cosby's journey to graduation was marked by resilience. She initially enrolled at ASU in 1999 but paused her studies in 2001 due to mental health challenges and limited family support. Over the years, she built a successful career as a natural hairstylist and engaged in nonprofit work, particularly aiding underserved communities. In 2023, inspired by her passion for social work and a desire to provide professional care, Cosby returned to ASU to complete her degree. Reflecting on her experience, she shared in an WSFA-12  interview, "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.” 

King, who began her college journey independently, found her mother's return to academia during her sophomore year to be a source of motivation. 

"Walking across that stage with my mom beside me is a feeling I can’t fully explain," she said. "It just so happened to line up with my college journey. She returned during my sophomore year, and we are now finishing together. It’s like it was meant to be.”

Their shared academic pursuit was not without challenges. King faced financial hurdles that threatened her ability to graduate. However, ASU's retention scholarship program, ASU Cares, intervened to clear her outstanding balance, allowing her to focus on her finals and complete her degree. 

"The assistance they provided lifted a weight off my shoulders," King expressed. "It allowed me to focus on my finals, enjoy my last semester, and graduate without that stress. I’ll forever be grateful for that help. It changed everything.”

Looking ahead, Cosby has been awarded approximately $60,000 in scholarships and plans to pursue a Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan, aiming to specialize in mental health and substance abuse. King intends to explore the business and marketing sectors, leveraging her experience as a manager at Chick-fil-A and her involvement in campus organizations, with aspirations to pursue a master's degree in business.

Their story stands as a testament to determination, the power of support systems, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.