Online programs help reinvigorate St. Thomas University

Executive summary

When St. Thomas University (STU) first partnered with Risepoint, the institution was suffering from financial turmoil and was at risk of closing its doors. Thanks to the success of their online programs supported by Risepoint, as well as President David A. Armstrong’s visionary approach to leading the institution, STU has rebounded and is now thriving. Not only is STU able to continue offering workforce-relevant education to a diverse population of underserved students, but they are also growing and investing in the next phase of their plan to become the “great Catholic university of the South.”

Key results

A mission to serve

St. Thomas University is rooted in its Catholic mission of serving the culturally rich and internationally diverse population in the Miami region. In fact, the institution, initially called Biscayne College, was founded by Augustinian Cuban refugees with the commitment of teaching students from different backgrounds.

How online learning supports enrollment and program growth at STU

Starting in June 2018, STU partnered with Risepoint to strengthen enrollments and help meet local workforce needs, especially in tourism, supply chain, and nursing, as well as in extending the institution’s highly regarded sports administration program. Risepoint currently supports 37 online programs in business, education, healthcare, criminal justice, and social work.

Since the beginning of the partnership, STU has achieved seven straight years of record enrollment growth. Their growth has positioned the institution for long-term strength and stability and contributed skilled professionals to the South Florida economy, including providing more qualified nursing care to its large aging population.

Success from online programs has also helped the university fund expansions to the STU campus, including a new nursing building, new dormitories, and a new cafeteria. These efforts help STU continue to expand their offerings to meet the needs of their region.

STU stimulates the South Florida economy

Online learning allows STU to reach more of the students that they strive to educate, who in turn improve the greater South Florida community. STU’s success in expanding workforce-relevant and affordable education has ultimately helped to stimulate the South Florida economy, with graduates earning higher personal income and gaining skills that lead to job and GDP growth.

Especially in the climate that we’re in now in higher education, lots of faith-based institutions are closing as we speak. And we’re thriving. We’re not just succeeding. We’re thriving.

Michelle A. Johnson-Barnes

Provost and Chief Academic Officer, St. Thomas University

With the online delivery module, it gives us another way to extend our reach as an archdiocesan Catholic university that educates ethical leaders for the global community.

David A. Armstrong

President, St. Thomas University

I feel like the program here with St. Thomas University prepared me beyond just your normal family nurse practitioner program. They really work with you. They give you those immersions and your preceptors check on you. You have preceptors that they will pair you with that are very engaged, and they are checking to make sure that you’re progressing appropriately throughout the program.

Faith Shaw

FNP Graduate (online), St. Thomas University

Conclusion

A cornerstone component to St. Thomas University’s rebound from financial turmoil has been the partnership with Risepoint, which has helped St. Thomas University expand their reach within South Florida and beyond. Online programs allow STU to provide the workforce relevance that is essential to the South Florida community and economy, and reach a broader group of students, as is the core of their faith-based mission.