Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
History of the School of Education
Our Legacy: 75 Years of Graduate Education at St. Thomas
The School of Education has a rich history and in 2025 commemorates 75 years of graduate education! The Master's in Education, launched in 1950, was the first graduate program established at the University of St. Thomas. The school was established to prepare teachers and school leaders at a time when Minnesota and the U.S. were experiencing significant growth in K-12 education. The university admitted women to the undergraduate program starting in 1977, and between 1950 and 1970, the School of Education awarded more than 900 degrees. Today, we are pleased to call more than 5,000 graduates alumni of the School of Education!
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75 Years of Graduate Education at St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas School of Education proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking a legacy of preparing educators and leaders who make a lasting impact in schools and communities. Since its founding, the school has been dedicated to advancing excellence in teaching, research, and service. Over the decades, it has shaped generations of teachers and educational leaders who embody the university's mission of advancing the common good. This milestone offers an opportunity to honor our history, recognize the achievements of our alumni and faculty, and look forward to the future of transformative education.
School of Education 75th Anniversary Events
Join us as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the University of St. Thomas School of Education! Special events throughout the year will honor our legacy and mark this significant milestone in our history. We look forward to gathering alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors, and friends to reflect on our impact and look ahead to the future of education.
Homecoming 2025
Saturday, Oct. 4
Swing by our booth at Purple on the Plaza. Pick up an engagement card, say hi to faculty and staff, and spin the prize wheel to win a free drink ticket or future game ticket in the new arena, swag, candy and more!
Dean's Forum
November 12, 2025, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
RSVP for the Dean's Forum
Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools, will be our featured speaker for the fall Dean's Forum. She will share her vision and discuss both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Faculty & Staff Open House
April 29, 2026
Former faculty and staff of the School of Education are invited to campus to connect and celebrate our 75th anniversary. This event is by invitation only.
Homecoming 2025
Saturday, Oct. 4
Swing by our booth at Purple on the Plaza. Pick up an engagement card, say hi to faculty and staff, and spin the prize wheel to win a free drink ticket or future game ticket in the new arena, swag, candy and more!
Dean's Forum
November 12, 2025, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
RSVP for the Dean's Forum
Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools, will be our featured speaker for the fall Dean's Forum. She will share her vision and discuss both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Faculty & Staff Open House
April 29, 2026
Former faculty and staff of the School of Education are invited to campus to connect and celebrate our 75th anniversary. This event is by invitation only.
Honoring Our Early Alumni
Sr. Maria Lamm (center) was the first person to be awarded a Master's in Secondary School Administration from the University of St. Thomas in 1957. She was of the Religious Order: School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato Province. She received her degree at the age of 53.
Preparing teachers and leaders since 1921
A Brief History
The University of St. Thomas has supported teacher preparation in Minnesota since 1921. Today, the School of Education welcomes students and educators from all over who are interested in teaching and leading in classrooms, schools and universities around the country.