A mother-daughter duo who earned the same doctoral degree from Rutgers University decades apart are being recognized for a shared legacy defined by perseverance, education, and a lifelong commitment to community service.
Dr. Inez Phillips Durham, 91, and her daughter Dr. Jennifer Durham both earned doctorates in psychology from the university’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), becoming the institution’s first parent-child pair to do so.
Overcoming early barriers
Inez Durham’s journey began in 1953 when she enrolled at Douglass Residential College, then known as the New Jersey College for Women. As the only Black student at the time, she said she was initially not assigned a roommate.
“Nothing was put in writing, but I knew why,” she recalled, reflecting on racial barriers she faced early in her academic career.
Durham went on to graduate with a psychology degree in 1957, later earning a master’s in social work in 1961 and returning to Rutgers to complete her doctorate in psychology in 1984.
Over a 50-year career, she worked as a social worker, psychologist, and public school and nonprofit administrator, becoming a respected figure in her community.
A family journey shaped by sacrifice
After her husband died of a heart attack in 1975, Durham became a single mother while pursuing advanced education. She worked multiple jobs — including as a psychotherapist, school social worker, and tennis instructor — to support her family while completing her doctorate.
Her daughter Jennifer often studied alongside her, accompanying her to the medical science library while she worked on her dissertation.
“I did it by the grace of God,” Inez said. “It wasn’t easy, but we managed.”
Jennifer credits her mother’s example with inspiring her own path into psychology.
“She was my first role model of what a leader was,” Jennifer said.
Continuing the legacy
Jennifer Durham earned her doctorate from GSAPP in 1992 and now serves there as a teaching professor of school psychology and special assistant to the dean for recruitment and retention.
The pair also collaborated professionally. From 1995 to 2000, they worked together at the OMOLAYO Black Family Education and Development Institute, a nonprofit Jennifer founded in their hometown of Plainfield, with Inez serving as clinical director.
Even in retirement, Inez remains active in civic life, serving on a public library board, managing municipal campaigns, and running a youth tennis program.
Commitment to service
Both women say their work has always been driven by a shared mission to serve others.
“One of our main things is service. Always give back,” Jennifer said.
For Inez, the greatest reward of her career is not recognition but the impact she has had on people’s lives.
“My satisfaction comes from seeing people doing well — emotionally, socially,” she said.
Their story, spanning generations, reflects not only personal achievement but also the power of education and mentorship to shape communities and create lasting change.
