ChancellorDecember 07, 2024

Campus Update, Dec. 7

Written By: Terisa Riley

Dear colleagues and students,

Happy “Reading” Day! As you venture into final exams, I hope that this day helps you to prepare for and finalize your projects, papers, and exams. This has been a fantastic semester for learning and final exams are the opportunity to prove that you can put that knowledge into action.

The last few weeks of any semester are incredibly busy and full of outstanding events. This week, I have been so pleased to attend the Psychology Symposium which featured the research of our students and faculty at UAFS, the Season's Greetings Concert hosted by the faculty and students in the Department of Music and Theatre, the Long Cozy Night Against Procrastination hosted by the Boreham Library faculty and staff, and the Opera and Musical Theatre’s performance of Cinderella. We have also hosted several basketball games, the School of Education pinning ceremony, and Midnight Breakfast. Thanks to everyone who worked hard on each of these events, productions, competitions, and gatherings. 

Spotlight on the Strategic Plan:

In the 2023-28 Strategic Plan, we developed Pillar: 1 Student Access, Engagement, and Success, Strategy 2: Enhance support structures that drive equity, inclusion, and success among underrepresented student populations including Hispanic students, active-military members, veterans, and adult learners. In this vein, I am so happy to announce the formation of the Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA) is a prominent Latina-based (but not Latina-exclusive) sorority recognized by the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO). SIA recently celebrated a significant milestone by introducing its first line at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS). The organization is dedicated to formalizing, cultivating, and fostering bonds among its sisters, with a focus on respect, trust, communication, professionalism, and accountability. During the last few years, the women have operated under the Recognized Student Organization (RSO) known as Sisterhood Expansion (SHE) and have been actively involved in Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Homecoming, and other campus-wide activities. SIA has already been approved to join the College Panhellenic Council (CPC), allowing them to participate in all of our Greek activities. Catherine Gonzalez serves as their faculty/staff advisor.

Hope to see you tonight at the last performance of Cinderella in Breedlove auditorium at 7 PM.

As always, I am honored to serve as your chancellor.  

Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D.

Chancellor

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