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

May 20, 2026

15 DFC Graduates Earn Full-Ride Scholarships to Continue at St. Thomas

Fifteen graduates of the Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas have been awarded the DFC Excellence Scholarship, a full-tuition award that allows them to continue directly into bachelor’s degree programs at St. Thomas. “Being selected as a DFC Excellence Scholar is truly meaningful to me,” said Daniel Akinola. “This scholarship not only… The post 15 DFC Graduates Earn Full-Ride Scholarships to Continue at St. Thomas appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• May 13, 2026

  Maxfield Internship Program Provides Hands-On Experience for Future Educators

  For the past three years, Maxfield Elementary has partnered with Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas to host student interns, providing them with valuable in-classroom experience and firsthand exposure to careers in education. Through the Maxfield internship program, scholars work directly with young learners while developing the skills and confidence needed to… The post Maxfield Internship Program Provides Hands-On Experience for Future Educators appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• May 11, 2026

  In the News: Buffy Smith on Student Success in Higher Education

  Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with University Business about the Dougherty Family College approach to helping first-generation and underserved students succeed in higher education. Smith emphasized that colleges must provide both academic and social support systems to help students thrive throughout their educational journey. From the… The post In the News: Buffy Smith on Student Success in Higher Education appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• May 7, 2026

  DFC’s First Alums Reflect on Finding Belonging

  Alum Mesum Haider ’19 AA, ’22 wasn’t searching for Dougherty Family College. But once he heard about it, he knew it was the right college for him. “At Dougherty, it wasn’t about being tolerated,” he said. “It was about being embraced.” Before arriving on campus, Haider had spent his K-12 years feeling out of place… The post DFC’s First Alums Reflect on Finding Belonging appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• April 30, 2026

  In the News: Buffy Smith on Keeping College Within Reach

  Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Sheletta Brundidge and Vineeta Sawkar at WCCO Radio about rising tuition costs and the barriers they create for many families. Smith emphasized Dougherty Family College’s commitment to affordability and the importance of keeping higher education accessible, particularly for first-generation and… The post In the News: Buffy Smith on Keeping College Within Reach appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

More News from DFC