Archive Posts
-
In the News: Buffy Smith Op-Ed on Creating Flexible and Affordable Paths to College Degrees
In the NewsBuffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, recently cowrote an op-ed for U.S. News & World Report with Carolyn Gentle-Genitty of Founder’s College at Butler University on the role embedded two-year colleges play in supporting nontraditional learners. The two wrote that flexible schedules, wraparound support and clear routes to…
-
St. Thomas Students Paint Mural with Families at Catholic Charities Center
Arts & HumanitiesA recent story from Bob Timmons of the Minnesota Star Tribune followed some of the students from the University of St. Thomas at the Family Service Center in Maplewood, where students helped children receiving shelter services paint a mural on a bare wall. From the story: University of St. Thomas freshman Anayaiah Mason could relate… -
In the News: Buffy Smith on How Dougherty Family College Centers Students Beyond Academics
DFC NewsDr. Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with Sheletta Brundidge from WCCO Radio on supporting students with housing, food and transportation insecurities through DFC emergency funds. Smith also spoke on the importance of “Ohana” at DFC. From the interview: Smith: It was, in fact, when the… -
In the News: Buffy Smith Talks About How Parents of College Students Feel FOMO
DFC NewsDr. Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with Sheletta Brundidge of WCCO Radio regarding parental FOMO, assisting children in navigating larger college classrooms, fostering peer accountability, cultivating a sense of belonging and other related topics. From the interview (Segment starts at 17:15): Brundidge: The one thing… -
In the News: Erica Embury on Opportunities at Dougherty Family College
In the NewsErica Embury, associate director of admissions for Dougherty Family College, spoke to WCCO Radio host Sheletta Brundidge about the opportunities for young scholars at Dougherty Family College. From the story: Do you have a child that’s looking at colleges? If you need a different pathway than signing up at an expensive four-year institution, Erica Embury,… -
Largest First-Year Class in St. Thomas History Marches Through the Arches
People & CultureThe skies over St. Paul had a steady drizzle on the morning of the University of St. Thomas’ annual March Through the Arches as first-year students gathered at the edge of the lower quad, adjusting purple shirts and snapping photos with family. Then, a few minutes before the ceremony began, sunlight broke through. It was… -
In Our Prayers: Michael E. Dougherty ’66
In Our PrayersThe University of St. Thomas community mourns the passing of Michael Emmett Dougherty ’66, an alumnus, trustee, visionary philanthropist and founding benefactor of Dougherty Family College (DFC). He died Aug. 10, 2025. Together with his wife Kathy and their family, he established Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas to create a pathway… -
Internships Jumpstart Careers for Dougherty Family College Students
People & CultureWhen most people think of the University of St. Thomas, they picture the iconic Arches, the Kasota limestone exterior of its buildings, and the deep-rooted traditions of Minnesota’s largest private university. The educational approach and opportunities for its students also stand out. That quality extends beyond the St. Paul campus, the original home of St.… -
In the News: Buffy Smith Op-Ed on Proposed TRIO Cut Published in Diverse
In the NewsDr. Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College, recently wrote an op-ed for Diverse: Issues in Higher Education on how a proposed budget cut to TRIO programs could shut the door on opportunity and erode the strength of the American middle class. From the story: As a child growing up in public housing in Milwaukee,… -
Dougherty Family College Class of 2025 Celebrates Associate Degrees
Quotes from the QuadIn a celebration filled with emotion, pride, and promise, Dougherty Family College honored the Class of 2025 as they walked across the stage and into the next chapter of their lives. Surrounded by their “ohana” – their family of relatives, friends, faculty, and staff, these scholars marked a major milestone by earning their associate degrees…