Archive Posts
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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…
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Black Men Teach: Filling a Critical Gap
St. Thomas 2025 - Foster Belonging and Dismantle RacismFor University of St. Thomas elementary education major Brendon Sackey, today's math lesson was proving a unique challenge as a student teacher. His class of fourth graders at University Avenue Elementary in Blaine were supposed to be focusing on perpendicular and parallel lines. However, these young minds seemed all too aware that in a few… -
DFC Scholars Share Impact of College
St. Thomas 2025Second-year student Koko Agbobly, a Phi Theta Kappa and peer mentor to first-year students at the University of St. Thomas’ Dougherty Family College (DFC), wants to enter the medical profession but isn’t quite sure what path to take. She hopes to have a better understanding once she completes an internship at Mayo Sports Clinic that… -
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.… -
Building a Community of Support With the DFC Advisory Board
Diversity, Equity and InclusionOliver Phan knows firsthand the power of education. A Vietnamese refugee, Phan and his family moved to Northeast Minneapolis when he was just 8 years old. “Being a refugee, I started from the bottom,” Phan said. “You have a lot of social challenges, things that pull you back. Getting a great education will get you… -
Buffy Smith Inducted Into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry
People & CultureDougherty Family College Dean Buffy Smith, PhD, has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of their current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.… -
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,… -
Dougherty Family College Receives $10M Anonymous Gift
St. Thomas 2025 - Close Financial Gaps For StudentsMatching challenge seeks $20M total to fund student education in perpetuity An anonymous $10 million gift to the University of St. Thomas will help students who attend its Dougherty Family College (DFC) in Minneapolis obtain their associate degree. The gift, tied for the largest in the five-year-old school’s history, is expected to drive further gifts… -
Corporate Partner 3M Opens Doors to Dougherty Family College Students
St. Thomas 2025 - Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family CollegeWhen the University of St. Thomas conceived of a two-year college to provide an alternate path to a four-year degree, 3M stepped up as an early corporate partner to help launch Dougherty Family College (DFC). Now, the Minnesota-based science and innovation giant is increasing its support with a new initiative, the STEM Preparation Pathway program,… -
Dean Buffy Smith and DFC's Strategic Priorities
St. Thomas 2025When the incoming class of Dougherty Family College students arrived Aug. 22 on the Minneapolis campus of the University of St. Thomas for the Summer Enrichment Program, they were greeted by DFC Dean Buffy Smith. Although Smith has been with the college since its founding in 2017, this is the start of her first year…