Archive Posts
-
In the News: Dougherty Family College’s Investment in Student Success Pays Off
DFC NewsBuffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College (DFC) at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with Diverse: Issues in Higher Education about DFC’s unique educational model, the importance of removing barriers and providing culturally-sustaining curriculum for scholars from underrepresented communities. From the story: DFC’s approach is in line with recent research showing that student success requires a…
-
In the News: Buffy Smith on 300 DFC Scholars Graduating Debt-Free
DFC NewsBuffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College (DFC) at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with WCCO about this year’s graduating class during a block party hosted by DFC. From the story: DFC offers a two-year associate degree program, enrolling predominantly minority and first-generation college students. By the time the students graduate, the goal… -
In the News: Dr. Buffy Smith on the Importance of Affordable College Options for Students and Families
In the NewsDr. Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder about DFC’s affordable two-year associate degree program and block party event aimed at raising awareness. From the story: “We are a premier, two-year program for under-resourced scholars but we say we are the best-kept secret… -
In the News: Dean Buffy Smith on the Dougherty Family College Block Party
In the NewsDean Buffy Smith of Dougherty Family College (DFC) appeared on “The Sheletta Show” to discuss DFC and its curriculum, as well as its statistics on BIPOC and first-generation college students and how they thrive in college. She also promoted the opportunities DFC has to offer, including its upcoming block party on Thursday, May 11, from… -
Podcast: DFC’s Martha Alonzo-Johnsen on Supporting Students of Color
DFC NewsMartha Alonzo-Johnsen, a clinical biology professor in Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, served on a “Come to Believe” podcast panel that focused on the need for workforce diversity in the health professions. The topic was “A Cure for Health Disparities: The Importance of Diversity in the Medical Field.” Institutions of higher… -
In the News: Dougherty Family College Makes Higher Education Possible for Underserved Students
In the NewsDougherty Family College scholars and their dean, Buffy Smith, recently spoke with KARE 11 for a story about the unique cohort model at DFC – a two-year college at the University of St. Thomas in downtown Minneapolis – and the importance of removing barriers for students from underserved communities to help them succeed in their… -
Podcast: Sarah McCann on Innovations in Teaching and Learning at DFC
In the NewsSarah McCann, clinical faculty of theology at the University of St. Thomas’ Dougherty Family College, recently joined the “Come to Believe” podcast to discuss the importance of evidence-based instructional practices, common misconceptions about academic rigor, and the importance of enthusiasm as a teaching tool. Sarah McCann: “At the Dougherty Family College at the University of St.… -
Podcast: Amir Mohamed on the Importance of Belonging
DFC NewsAmir Mohamed, communication and journalism professor at the University of St. Thomas Dougherty Family College, recently joined the “Come to Believe” podcast to discuss the importance of belonging on campus and in the classroom. Mohamed: “Culture is not just on a piece of paper. Part of what we’re doing and the culture we’re creating, and… -
In the News: Dr. Buffy Smith on Serving the Next Generation of Students
In the NewsDean of Dougherty Family College, Dr. Buffy Smith, was highlighted in a piece on the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities website about how Catholic two-year colleges are increasing accessibility in higher education for students who do not have access to obtaining an associate degree. From the article: Dougherty Family College at the University of St.… -
In the News: DFC Receives $10M Gift
St. Thomas 2025 - Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family CollegeDougherty Family College Dean Buff Smith spoke with the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press about the anonymous $10 million gift the two-year college received so that it can continue its work closing the educational achievement gap for underserved students. From the Star Tribune: "Every conversation that I've had with community leaders,…