Share your Scholarship Story
At the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, scholarships recognize students whose hard work and goals set them apart. These awards are made possible by the generosity of donors who believe in student success.
Share Your UAFS Story
At UAFS, scholarships do more than provide financial support. They help students pursue opportunities, overcome obstacles, and build better lives for themselves and their families.
That’s why your story matters.
When scholarship recipients share a thank-you note or a short story, donors can see the real, personal ways their gifts make a difference. These moments of gratitude help build meaningful connections and reflect the caring, supportive spirit of the UAFS community.
You're invited to...
No matter how you choose to share, your experience can inspire others and highlight
the life-changing impact of scholarships at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
Throughout the year, the Advancement Office shares the accomplishments of scholarship recipients to help demonstrate the impact of donor support.
This page provides an overview of how students can express thanks and share their stories, and outlines how UAFS protects student privacy.
Scholarship Impact at UAFS
in scholarships awarded during the 2024-2025 academic year
different available Foundation scholarship funds
students received Foundation scholarship funds in 2024-2025
How UAFS Approaches Scholarship Stewardship
At UAFS, we believe scholarship stewardship should honor both donor generosity and student dignity.
Scholarship recipients may be invited to participate in stewardship opportunities such as thank-you notes or impact stories, but participation is always voluntary. Students are never required to share personal details, and their decision to participate does not affect current or future scholarship eligibility.
Our approach is simple: create respectful, accessible opportunities for students to express gratitude while ensuring their privacy, comfort, and choice remain a priority.
This philosophy helps UAFS build meaningful connections between donors and student success while ensuring scholarship support is managed with care, integrity, and respect.
Scholarship stewardship is guided by clear roles, shared responsibility, and respect for student choice.
UAFS Foundation
A private 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to secure private gifts
and grants that support UAFS.
Its mission is to inspire empowerment through education.
Accept money with illegal, unethical restrictions or that are contrary to UAFS's
mission.
University
Spend money according to donor intent.
Show gratitude to donors.
Provide accountability (reporting).
Allow donor to control money after it has been given.
Force donor/recipient interactions.
Scholarship Recipients
Voluntarily partner with UAFS in sharing impact.
Voluntarily share their stories.
Expect relationship with donor.
Participate in any unwanted interaction with donor.
This same commitment to respect also shapes how UAFS protects student privacy.
Protecting Student Privacy at UAFS
UAFS is committed to protecting student privacy while honoring donor generosity.
The university follows all federal privacy regulations, including FERPA, and does not share student information without consent. Participation in stewardship activities is always voluntary, and students control what they choose to share.
This approach ensures students are respected and protected, while giving donors confidence that their support is managed with integrity.
Questions? Contact:
Matt Hutchins, Director of Donor Relations
Matt.HutchinsFREEuafs
479-788-7024
Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Advancement Center, Room 107