Dougherty Family College | University of St. Thomas - Minnesota

Discover Dougherty Family College

Dougherty Family College provides students with the academic, personal and financial support to earn an associate degree and a clear pathway to achieve a four-year college degree.

DFC provides you the support you need to achieve your college dreams and become extraordinary leaders. You do not have to walk this college journey alone, we are family.

Interactive Virtual Tour of DFC

Dougherty Family College News

October 22, 2025

In the News: Buffy Smith Talks About How Parents of College Students Feel FOMO

Dr. 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… The post In the News: Buffy Smith Talks About How Parents of College Students Feel FOMO appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• September 2, 2025

  In the News: Erica Embury on Opportunities at Dougherty Family College

  Erica 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,… The post In the News: Erica Embury on Opportunities at Dougherty Family College appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• September 2, 2025

  Largest First-Year Class in St. Thomas History Marches Through the Arches

  The 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… The post Largest First-Year Class in St. Thomas History Marches Through the Arches appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• August 19, 2025

  In Our Prayers: Michael E. Dougherty ’66

  The 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… The post In Our Prayers: Michael E. Dougherty ’66 appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• July 8, 2025

  Internships Jumpstart Careers for Dougherty Family College Students

  When 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.… The post Internships Jumpstart Careers for Dougherty Family College Students appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

More News from DFC