Meet the Dean
Get to Know Dr. Smith
Since 2004 Dr. Smith has been a professor at St. Thomas and she is eager to share strategies on how to build a strong sense of belonging as a Tommie and thrive in college.
A Message from Dr. Smith
Dr. Buffy Smith – Dean of Dougherty Family College
We believe high standards, high expectations, high supports, and high student commitment lead to high educational outcomes. We remove financial barriers and provide structured and culturally affirming support which make graduation inevitable. We empower our scholars to create a more equitable and just society.
About Dean Smith
Dr. Smith is a sociologist, educator, and national consultant. She earned her B.A. in Sociology at Marquette University and an MS and PhD in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Smith's primary research interests include examining racial and class disparities within the higher education system. She also writes on policy issues dealing with mentoring, access, retention, equity and diversity in higher education. She has over 18 years of experience researching how colleges and universities can assist underserved students with understanding and navigating the institutional culture of higher education in order to achieve academic success.
Dr. Smith has received several awards and grants that recognize her research on diversity issues in higher education. Dr. Smith's publications include book chapters and articles featured in research and practice-oriented journals such as African - American Research Perspectives and Equity and Excellence in Education. In addition, she is the author of the book, Mentoring At-Risk Students through the Hidden Curriculum of Higher Education.