Credit: Instagram
Real Housewives of New York City star Alex McCord revealed she just received her PhD in clinical psychology, as former castmate Sonja Morgan and fans shared their reactions.
Alex was an original castmate on RHONY, but she exited the show after season 4. In one of her most famous scenes, she told Jill Zarin during a fight, “You were a mean girl, and you are in high school. And while you are in high school, I am in Brooklyn, trying to survive in this economy. WORKING!” Alex now lives in Australia with her husband Simon van Kempen.
“Guess who just got her PhD?!?” wrote Alex in a November 15 Instagram post. “Me!”
In the caption, Alex explained, “Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology = conferred!! Of course there will be an in-person ceremony with a big hat and much celebration next May, but for now … IT’S DONE!!!”
In the comments, Alex’s former castmate Sonja expressed congratulations with a champagne emoji.
Fans also shared their reactions.
“Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 so deserving and so much time in the making. Wow!” said one fan.
“An amazing achievement Alex,” said another. “Congratulations darling.”
“While she was in high school YOU WERE GETTING YOUR PHD!” exclaimed a third, referring to Jill.
“That’s amazing!” wrote a different user. “I loved you on RHONY!”
Back in 2023 – before filming the ‘lost season’ of Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – Alex wrote a post on Instagram: “Calling all [Housewives] stans! I’m heading off to RHUGT a bit blind since I’ve been away for 12 years. So I’m asking your advice on these fabulous ladies in alphabetical order over the next week. Today is Brandi Glanville Day! What are you favorite Brandi moments?”
Brandi soon clapped back on Twitter, “This b-tch ever heard of [YouTube]????? I hope this post got her a few new followers.”
But that season of RHUGT never aired – following Caroline Manzo’s claim that Brandi touched her inappropriately while filming. Caroline later sued the network, and many believe that their season will never see the light of day.
At BravoCon 2025, Andy Cohen announced that the network is set to film a new show, Real Housewives Ultimate Road Trip.