Rutgers mother-daughter doctorate duo makes history as first parent-child graduates of School of Psychology

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Rutgers University interviewed a trailblazing mother‑daughter duo who made history as the first parent‑child pair to earn doctorates from Rutgers’ Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP).

Their shared achievement spans decades, beginning with Inez Phillips Durham’s arrival on campus in the 1950s and culminating in her daughter Jennifer’s graduation nearly 40 years later.

A Historic Rutgers Mother-Daughter Doctorate Journey Begins

In the Rutgers interview, Inez recalled arriving at the New Jersey College for Women in 1953 expecting a roommate. She was instead placed alone as the only Black student in her class. “Nothing was put in writing, but I knew why,” she said. She later roomed with Honey Greene, whom she described as “fantastic.” Her response to exclusion shaped her approach to life: “If you were given a lemon, you make lemonade.”

Inez graduated in 1957 with a psychology degree and served as class president. She returned to Rutgers for a master’s in social work in 1961 and completed her doctorate in psychology in 1984, building a five‑decade career as a social worker, psychologist and administrator.

How the Rutgers Mother-Daughter Doctorate Milestone Took Shape

After her husband died in 1975, Inez raised Jennifer while working multiple jobs and pursuing her doctorate. “I did it by the grace of God,” she told Rutgers. “It wasn’t easy, but we managed. I say ‘we’ because Jennifer had to be more independent.”

The two spent Saturdays studying at the medical science library on Busch campus. Inez worked on her dissertation while Jennifer completed high‑school homework. Jennifer said their bond resembled the “mother‑sister” dynamic of Gilmore Girls.

Jennifer later earned her doctorate in psychology from GSAPP in 1992. She now serves as a teaching professor of school psychology and special assistant to the dean.

“Jennifer and I were the first parent‑child to graduate from GSAPP,” Inez said in the interview. Jennifer called her mother’s achievement a “redemption story,” noting that her mother’s early dreams of becoming a psychologist were dismissed because of her race and gender.

A Legacy Rooted in Service

From 1995 to 2000, the pair worked together at the OMOLAYO Black Family Education and Development Institute, a nonprofit Jennifer founded in Plainfield. Inez served as clinical director.

Even in retirement, Inez remains active in Plainfield. Rutgers highlighted her service on the Public Library board, her involvement in municipal campaigns and her youth tennis program on courts named in her honor.

Jennifer returned to GSAPP in 2020 to train future school psychologists. “Always, always, always give back,” she said. She credits her mother for instilling that value.

Rutgers Mother-Daughter Doctorate Duo Celebrates GSAPP Milestone

This fall, the Durhams joined GSAPP’s 50th‑anniversary celebration. They reflected on the institution that shaped their careers. Inez said her greatest reward has always been the people she helped, including a former client who found her 50 years later to say thank you.

“My satisfaction comes from seeing people doing well — emotionally, socially,” she said. “GSAPP to me was my opportunity to make a difference.”