University of St. Thomas

Profile narrative

University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic university that provides undergraduate and graduate education across a range of disciplines. The institution offers programs through its colleges of arts and sciences, business, education, law, and health sciences, among others. It serves students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as professional certificates. Instruction is delivered through classroom, online, and hybrid formats, supporting both traditional and non‑traditional learners. The university also engages in scholarly research and community outreach initiatives that extend its impact beyond the campus. Its academic mission is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, emphasizing ethical reasoning and service to society. Through these activities, the university aims to prepare graduates for professional careers and civic engagement.

Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, the university’s main campus sits in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, providing access to a vibrant urban environment. As a private nonprofit institution, it is governed by a board of trustees and operates without ownership by a larger corporate entity. The university’s distinguishing attributes include its Catholic affiliation, which influences its curriculum, campus ministry, and service‑learning opportunities. In August 2025, the university experienced a ransomware attack that disabled servers and exposed personal information, including sensitive documents related to sexual harassment investigations and settlement agreements. The breach led to a lawsuit alleging inadequate security and delayed notification, which was resolved through a settlement providing credit monitoring, identity‑theft protection, and cash payments to affected individuals without an admission of liability. This incident highlighted the importance of cybersecurity resilience for higher‑education institutions. The university continues to fulfill its educational mission while addressing the lessons learned from the cyber event.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.