News & Events

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Stay up to date on the latest news and events at Dougherty Family College and browse upcoming events to learn more about what we have to offer our students.

DFC receives $10M Anonymous Gift

Featured Story

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 by other donors,as the matching challenge seeks $20M total to fund student education in perpetuity. 

Learn more about the challenge match

Dougherty Family College News

Podcast: Amir Mohamed on the Importance of Belonging

Amir 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… The post Podcast: Amir Mohamed on the Importance of Belonging appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• Black Men Teach: Filling a Critical Gap

  For 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… The post Black Men Teach: Filling a Critical Gap appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• DFC Scholars Share Impact of College

  Second-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… The post DFC Scholars Share Impact of College appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• In the News: Dr. Buffy Smith on Serving the Next Generation of Students

  Dean 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.… The post In the News: Dr. Buffy Smith on Serving the Next Generation of Students appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

• Shifting Leadership Fuels St. Thomas Innovation

  A changing landscape in higher education spurs new ideas from new leaders at St. Thomas New academic deans. A new head of enrollment. And, as we embark on a new year, even a new university president. To say a new era of leadership is underway at the University of St. Thomas would be a slight… The post Shifting Leadership Fuels St. Thomas Innovation appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

More News from DFC

Newsletter from Dougherty Family College

Check out the Winter Dougherty Family College Newsletter. Read about the following: 

• Dean's Corner
• New STEM Preparation Program and STEM Club
• Internship Partner: Northside STEM
• New Community Board Member: Sophia Khan
• Impact Drive Philanthropy
• New DFC Alumni Board Members: Janette Mendoza and Aiesha Osman

Winter 2023 Newsletter

Our scholars are full of energy and excitement as they return for the spring semester. They remind us of our purpose as educators and the importance of our mission.

Dr. Buffy Smith, Dean

Watch to learn more about DFC

Chronicle of Higher Education Spotlights DFC

The Chronicle of Higher Education produced a video special about Dougherty Family College, highlighting the school's academic rigor, cohort model and culturally sustaining teaching methods.

Learn About Our Academics

Upcoming DFC Events