Texas Mom and Son Graduate Together Just in Time for Mother’s Day

Brandi and Kyle Fields walked across the stage together at Texas Christian University's (TCU) first-ever graduate-only commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025. The mother-son duo donned matching purple Nike sneakers, symbolizing their shared journey and TCU pride.

They Got Their Papers

Brandi, 50, earned her Executive MBA from the Neeley School of Business, while her 22-year-old son, Kyle, received a Master of Liberal Arts degree from the AddRan College of Liberal Arts. Their simultaneous graduation was especially poignant since it coincided with Mother's Day weekend.

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How Did Both Mother and Son Wind Up at TCU?

The Fields family's journey to this moment began in California, according to Fox 4 News Dallas. After Kyle chose TCU for his undergraduate studies, Brandi, her husband Marlon, and their younger son relocated to Fort Worth. The move was influenced by a desire to be closer to Kyle and to start anew following the loss of Brandi's mother in 2020.

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Brandi's decision to pursue further education was inspired by Kyle's academic dedication. She told the Neeley School of Business: "I saw how happy Kyle was at TCU. I knew the network was great and I needed a life change," she said. She enrolled in the Executive MBA program, embracing the challenges of returning to school after more than 25 years in the professional world.

Kyle, who previously earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies from TCU in 2023, worked as a graduate assistant for TCU Athletics while pursuing his master's degree. He managed equipment and apparel needs for the women's beach volleyball team, which clinched its first-ever national championship this year.

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Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

The duo often supported each other through late-night study sessions. "Watching her do that was inspirational because it pushed me to want to be just like her," Kyle said.

Brandi hopes their story encourages other mothers to invest in themselves. "I think that's important for moms—that we still have to be taking care of ourselves and continuing to grow and challenge ourselves," she said.

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The commencement ceremony also honored Fort Worth native and renowned filmmaker Taylor Sheridan with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree, recognizing his contributions to the arts and the Texas film industry.

As Brandi and Kyle celebrated their achievements, they looked forward to a relaxing Mother's Day, enjoying the unique bond forged through their shared academic journey.