Current Position and Past Experience
Buffy Smith is currently Dean of the Dougherty Family College at University of St. Thomas and has been in the position since June 2022. She is also a Professor of Sociology.

In 2016, she was the founding associate dean of academics at Dougherty Family College. Smith’s research shaped the educational model of the Dougherty Family College. Her primary research interests include examining racial and class disparities within the higher education system. She is a national expert on policy issues dealing with mentoring, access, retention, equity, and diversity in higher education. She has over 20 years of experience researching how colleges and universities can assist underrepresented students with understanding and navigating the institutional culture of higher education in order to achieve academic success.

Education, Honors and Achievements
Smith holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science in Sociology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Marquette University.

Smith has received several awards and grants that recognize her research on diversity issues in higher education. Smith’s publications have been featured in research and practice-oriented journals such as African-American Research Perspectives and Equity & Excellence in Education. In addition, she is the author of the book, Mentoring At-Risk Students through the Hidden Curriculum of Higher Education.