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Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family College

As we continue to grow and strengthen the Dougherty Family College, we will set the standard for academic preparation of traditionally underrepresented students by achieving high retention and graduation rates and by creating pathways for students to earn a four-year degree. We will design and develop preparation for majors in STEM, business and health professions. We will create four-year degree plans for all majors at the University of St. Thomas. As we set students up for success, we will build their professional competency and help them become transformative community leaders.

Related Themes

2025 Strategic Plan Build Belonging and Promote Equity Lean In to Our Catholic Mission Widen the Circle
of Impact
Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family College Priority Priority Priority

See how the Themes and Priorities of the 2025 Strategic Plan interweave.

Measuring Progress

  • Success Metrics
  • Progress Update
  • Key Leaders

    • Success Metrics

    1. DFC scholars are academically confident and accomplished.
      • More than 80 percent graduate with an AA degree from DFC within 2 years.
      • 85% of DFC scholars maintain enrollment from fall to fall each year.
    2. DFC has established pathways.
      • Pathways to 100% of University of St. Thomas’ BA/BS majors are established.
      • 85%+ of DFC graduates transfer to a four-year college.
      • 70%+ of DFC scholars go on to earn a BA/BS degree within 5 years.
    3. DFC scholars are poised for success in their communities, lives and professional careers.
      • 90%+ of DFC graduating scholars complete a professional development class and are placed in an internship.
    4. DFC's financial model is balanced and sustainable.
      • More than 170 scholars are enrolled each year.
      • Achieve five-year fundraising goal of $15 million.
    5. DFC is a collaborative, supportive and inclusive community.
      • 50%+ of the DFC team (administration, faculty and staff) is representative of the college’s scholars (traditionally underrepresented).
      • Year over year retention rate for faculty and staff is 75%+.
      • Annual event centered on DFC’s stated values (anti-racist, community-minded, culturally-sustaining, empowering, holistic, rigorous, student-focused).

    Progress Update, February 2022

    The St. Thomas 2025 Strategic Plan debuted in February 2021. We continually track and report on our progress; here are key developments from the past year, as of February 2024:

    The Dougherty Family College has attracted media attention for its work to provide a pathway for underrepresented students. The Star Tribune featured DFC in a September 2023 feature. In Inside Higher Ed, Dean Buffy Smith, said the college's diversity reflects its close, carefully forged ties with community organizations, including boys' and girls' clubs, mosques, churches, synagogues, and cultural centers.

    The article highlighted that the college's average two-year graduation rate is 56 percent, and 80 percent of DFC graduates transfer to a four-year institution. Three-fourths of associate degree graduates are currently in or have graduated from a bachelor's degree program. Since the college's founding, 313 students earned associate degrees, and 86 students have graduated with four-year degrees, most of them from the University of St. Thomas.

    Nationally, a little over 31 percent of community college students transfer, and of those who transfer, slightly fewer than half complete a bachelor's degree within six years, according to a 2022 report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

    Key Leaders

    • Buffy Smith, Dean, Dougherty Family College

    Success Metrics

    Success Metrics

    1. DFC scholars are academically confident and accomplished.
      • More than 80 percent graduate with an AA degree from DFC within 2 years.
      • 85% of DFC scholars maintain enrollment from fall to fall each year.
    2. DFC has established pathways.
      • Pathways to 100% of University of St. Thomas’ BA/BS majors are established.
      • 85%+ of DFC graduates transfer to a four-year college.
      • 70%+ of DFC scholars go on to earn a BA/BS degree within 5 years.
    3. DFC scholars are poised for success in their communities, lives and professional careers.
      • 90%+ of DFC graduating scholars complete a professional development class and are placed in an internship.
    4. DFC's financial model is balanced and sustainable.
      • More than 170 scholars are enrolled each year.
      • Achieve five-year fundraising goal of $15 million.
    5. DFC is a collaborative, supportive and inclusive community.
      • 50%+ of the DFC team (administration, faculty and staff) is representative of the college’s scholars (traditionally underrepresented).
      • Year over year retention rate for faculty and staff is 75%+.
      • Annual event centered on DFC’s stated values (anti-racist, community-minded, culturally-sustaining, empowering, holistic, rigorous, student-focused).

    Progress Update

    Progress Update, February 2022

    The St. Thomas 2025 Strategic Plan debuted in February 2021. We continually track and report on our progress; here are key developments from the past year, as of February 2024:

    The Dougherty Family College has attracted media attention for its work to provide a pathway for underrepresented students. The Star Tribune featured DFC in a September 2023 feature. In Inside Higher Ed, Dean Buffy Smith, said the college's diversity reflects its close, carefully forged ties with community organizations, including boys' and girls' clubs, mosques, churches, synagogues, and cultural centers.

    The article highlighted that the college's average two-year graduation rate is 56 percent, and 80 percent of DFC graduates transfer to a four-year institution. Three-fourths of associate degree graduates are currently in or have graduated from a bachelor's degree program. Since the college's founding, 313 students earned associate degrees, and 86 students have graduated with four-year degrees, most of them from the University of St. Thomas.

    Nationally, a little over 31 percent of community college students transfer, and of those who transfer, slightly fewer than half complete a bachelor's degree within six years, according to a 2022 report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

    Key Leaders

    Key Leaders

    • Buffy Smith, Dean, Dougherty Family College

    Related Stories from the Newsroom

    July 23, 2024

    Buffy Smith, dean of the University of St. Thomas Dougherty Family College, recently spoke with Forbes about intentionally addressing systemic barriers to success in higher education. From the story: According to Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College and a professor of sociology, “We work hard to intentionally address some of those structural barriers. (Our approach)… The post In the News: Dougherty Family College’s Model for Student Success Featured by Forbes appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

    • May 26, 2024

      There is a theme among the University of St. Thomas Dougherty Family College graduating Class of 2024. It’s that it takes a village. Whether it is family, friends or educators, there is always someone there to provide support and encouragement. “As you walk that journey, remember that you are not alone. DFC will always be… The post Sights and Sounds: Dougherty Family College 2024 Commencement appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

    • May 23, 2024

      How to pay for tuition toward a bachelor’s degree is top of mind for many students. For Isabel Inga Dutan, a first-generation college student graduating with her associate degree from the Dougherty Family College in Minneapolis, she doesn’t have to stress. She’s one of 15 scholars from DFC’s 2024 class who is receiving a full-tuition… The post DFC Excellence Scholarship Sets 15 Recipients on Path Toward Bachelor’s Degrees appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

    • February 22, 2024

      When a personally addressed email from U.S. Bank CEO Andy Cecere arrived in DeAmonte Block’s inbox his second month at his new job as an internal auditor at the bank, Block couldn’t believe it. “I was very surprised,” Block said. “I thought it was spam.” Although there are many CEOs who send well-crafted welcome messages… The post Paying It Forward: How U.S. Bank CEO Andy Cecere ’82 Leads With Compassion appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

    • October 25, 2023

      Widely considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. has some particularly impressive career stats. In 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzgerald racked up 121 touchdowns, 17,492 receiving yards, was selected for the Pro Bowl 11 times, and the list goes on. But doing great things doesn’t necessarily make… The post Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Shares Message of Greatness Beyond the Game appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.