Dougherty Family College | University of St. Thomas - Minnesota

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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.

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Dougherty Family College News

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.

• April 28, 2026

  In the News: Buffy Smith on Mentorship and Student Support

  Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Native Roots Radio about how the college supports first-generation students through mentorship, community building and wraparound resources. Smith highlighted the college’s focus on removing structural barriers to higher education while creating a strong sense of belonging and academic support for… The post In the News: Buffy Smith on Mentorship and Student Support appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

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