#USA #St. Thomas University #Miami Gardens #ABA Council #College of Law

St. Thomas University College of Law Achieves High Accreditation Standards

On December 11, 2025, St. Thomas University (STU) announced an exciting and significant achievement. The American Bar Association (ABA) Council has confirmed that the STU College of Law is now fully compliant with crucial accreditation standards. This milestone not only underscores the university’s dedication to excellence but also reflects its ongoing mission to elevate the quality of its legal education.

For the past year, the College of Law has worked closely with the ABA Council to address various concerns and ensure adherence to all compliance requirements. The assessment concluded with the ABA Council's formal public notification on December 5, 2025, indicating full compliance with Standard 202(b) and Standard 205(c). This positive determination resolves prior issues of noncompliance and showcases the substantial progress made through dedicated efforts and detailed reporting by the college.

Dean Tarlika Nuñez Navarro expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating, "Today, St. Thomas University College of Law is achieving the strongest results in our history, providing an excellent legal education, grounded in Catholic values, that prepares our students for professional success and service to their communities. We remain focused on that mission."

The past months have marked a significant uptick in student achievement at the College of Law. Notably, the institution posted an 87.3% bar passage rate in July 2025 for first-time takers—an impressive statistic that highlights the effectiveness of the proposed programs and support offered by the college. This was seen as a follow-up to the already commendable 75% passage rate in February 2025 and builds on an 83% rate from July 2024.

Additionally, STU's Trial Team has continued its excellence by securing both the first and second places at the 2025 Florida Justice Association Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition. These achievements reflect the effectiveness of the college's advocacy training and preparation methodologies for students.

President David A. Armstrong, J.D., highlighted the ongoing positive trajectory: "The College of Law's continued success is most evident in the results of the last three Florida Bar exams. This trend aligns with the tireless dedication of our leadership, faculty, and staff towards fostering student success. Graduates from STU leave not only with a top-tier education but also with moral and ethical foundations designed to cultivate them into exemplary jurists."

Established as one of the premier Catholic universities in the South, St. Thomas University plays a vital role in shaping its students into ethical leaders. STU, a private, nonprofit institution located in Miami Gardens, Florida, strives to ensure students achieve their academic and professional aspirations. The university, rich in cultural and international diversity, offers a broad spectrum of over 60 undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs across various disciplines, ensuring a holistic educational experience.

Moreover, President Armstrong’s strategic vision, labeled "Pursue Excellence," aims to expand and enhance the university's facilities, including plans for a new 99,000-square-foot STEM and nursing building, expanding the College of Law, and constructing new athletic facilities—all focused on improving student learning and engagement.

As the STU College of Law moves forward, the acknowledgment of this significant accreditation compliance by the ABA not only highlights the institution's commitment to education but also sets a high standard that will benefit both current and future legal professionals in the community.