Kaiya King and Nicole Cosby
By Leonard Hall/ASU
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and an Alabama State University mother-daughter duo is celebrating a little early.
Nicole Cosby, 46, and her 22-year-old daughter, Kaiya King, graduated together on Friday, May 2. Cosby earned a Bachelor of Science in social work, while King received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance.
“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,” Cosby said.
Although they graduated simultaneously, the two did not plan it.
“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 said. “That work ignited a passion in me to become a licensed professional who could offer the best care to those I served. ASU had always been a place of safety, empowerment, and nurturing for me, so returning to complete my degree here just made sense. It felt like coming home.”
“Walking across that stage with my mom beside me is a feeling I can’t fully explain,” said King, her mother’s only child. “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.”
For Cosby, it truly was a return home. She began her ASU journey as a transfer student in 1999 but stepped away in 2001 due to mental health challenges and limited family support.
“It was a difficult decision, but I always knew I’d return. In 2023, I came back determined to finish what I started,” she said.
Cosby worked as a natural hairstylist in her own salon for nearly a decade before returning to ASU. She also taught hair care classes to help white parents care for Black children’s hair, focusing on transracial and foster care families. The Chicago native now hopes to become a licensed therapist to support Black children adopted by white families and help them avoid racial trauma.
This academic journey was special for both mother and daughter, who supported each other along the way.
“My mom supported me in the most subtle but powerful ways. She sends me quotes, scriptures, and prayers all the time,” King said. “Her words of encouragement and constant faith honestly kept me going, especially when I felt overwhelmed or stressed. Knowing she was on this journey too, and rooting for me, made all the difference. I made sure to check in with her as well, knowing that this past semester had been challenging for her.”
“I made sure she was celebrated every semester. I even started a Bama State parent group to help build community and provide extra support for our students,” Cosby said. “Her father and I never missed a performance or honors ceremony. We showed up every time. I’m so incredibly proud of her.”
King faced a financial setback toward the end of her undergraduate journey. With a balance on her account, she wasn’t sure if she would walk across the stage — until ASU Cares, the University’s official retention scholarship program, stepped in to clear her balance.
“ASU Cares made a huge impact on my journey,” King said. “The assistance they provided lifted a weight off my shoulders. 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.”
Her mother echoed the same sentiment.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude. They didn’t have to do it — but they did — and that’s just who ASU is,” Cosby said. “I thank God for this institution. I am forever grateful.”
Now that graduation is over, the Montgomery native plans to take a break from dance, which she’s been doing since childhood, to explore other interests.
“I want to dive into the business and marketing side of things,” King said. “I’m currently working as a manager at Chick-fil-A, and I’ve learned a lot there and in my campus organizations about leadership, customer experience, and brand values. While I’m working, I’ll also be exploring options for where I want to get my master’s degree in business. This is a new chapter, and I’m excited to grow into it.”
Meanwhile, Cosby is preparing for her next academic step.
“I’ve been awarded an estimated $60,000 in scholarships and was accepted into the University of Michigan’s Master of Social Work program, which I’ll begin in fall 2025,” she said. “My goal is to specialize in mental health and substance abuse and pursue a career as a sports social worker — advocating for the mental, social, and physical well-being of collegiate and professional athletes.”
The mother and daughter shared advice for other families considering education together.
“Build a strong support system and find your village,” Cosby said. “You’ll need encouragement to get through the challenges of balancing life, parenting, and academics. Set boundaries, be realistic about your capacity, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. Most importantly, celebrate every single milestone—big or small—together.”
“Do it. It might not always be easy, but the bond it builds is unmatched,” King added. “You get to watch each other grow, overcome challenges, and achieve something incredible side by side. It teaches you patience, support, and how powerful family can be when you’re working toward a common goal. Plus, having someone in your corner who understands the late nights and early mornings is a blessing.”