St. Thomas University (Florida)

St. Thomas University, often called STU, is a private Catholic university in Miami Gardens, Florida. It offers many programs for students, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as some post-graduate certificate programs. Students can attend classes on campus or online.

The university is recognized as a quality institution because it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This means the university meets standards of educational quality and its degrees are valued by employers and other schools.

History

St. Thomas University started in 1946 in Havana, Cuba. It was called the Universidad Católica de Santo Tomás de Villanueva. In 1961, the school moved to Miami and became Biscayne College. By 1984, it had grown and became St. Thomas University again. In 1988, it joined with the Archdiocese of Miami. This made it the only university in Florida supported by a Catholic Archdiocese.

For many years, from 1970 to 1993, the university was used for training by the Miami Dolphins football team. It was also used by a baseball team called the Baltimore Orioles.

In 2019, David A. Armstrong became the university’s tenth leader.

Presidents

Academics

St. Thomas University has many programs for students to study. It offers 23 majors for students who are starting their studies, 24 majors for students who want to learn more after their first degree, four special programs for very advanced learning, and one program for learning about laws. These programs are offered through four different groups at the university.

The university belongs to several groups that help colleges and schools work together and support students from different backgrounds.

The university makes it easy for students to apply to join. In 2024, most students who applied were welcome. Those who joined had good scores in school and on tests that help decide if a student is ready for college.

Students at St. Thomas University can also choose to study in other countries, like Croatia, India, Israel, Italy, and Spain.

Campus

The campus of St. Thomas University is 150 acres big and is in Miami Gardens, Florida. It is near fun places like Miami's beaches, the Wynwood Art District, the MiMo District, and Fort Lauderdale. The University Library has a special archive and museum that opened in 2008.

The university has six places for students to live: Villanova Hall, Cascia Hall, Sullivan Hall, University Inn, Murphy Family Hall, and New Hall.

Athletics

Main article: St. Thomas Bobcats

The St. Thomas University athletic teams are called the Bobcats. The university competes in many sports and belongs to groups that help organize college games. Most of their teams play in the Sun Conference, but some teams, like wrestling and eSports, play in different groups.

St. Thomas has teams for both men and women, including baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and more. In the past year, many of their teams did well, and some even got to compete in big national tournaments. The university teaches good sportsmanship and values.

Notable alumni

Main article: List of St. Thomas University Alumni

St. Thomas University has many graduates who have done great things in their jobs and communities.