ChancellorAugust 30, 2024

Campus Update, Aug. 30, 2024

Written By: Terisa Riley

Good afternoon, colleagues and students.

It is so hard to believe that two weeks of the fall semester have flown by so quickly.

I begin today with a message of thanks to everyone who organized and participated in our Campus Block Party on Wednesday. This program is one I look forward to each year because it helps to connect our students with our university activities and events and organizations in the River Valley community. I hope each of you had a chance to enjoy the free lunch, great music, and festivities. For our new students: It is not too late to join new organizations. Please drop by the Office of Campus And Community Engagement (CACE) in the Campus Center.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of collaborating with chancellors across the UA System to present the UA System Workforce Action Plan to Governor Sanders. During our meeting we had robust conversations on topics such as expanding AR Challenge Scholarships, the need to create a new funding formula for non-credit education, and the need to expand funding for our growing Career Technical Centers. Our strategies to increase the opportunities for training and education appear to match the vision she has laid out in the Arkansas Workforce Strategy plan.

Students: If you are interested in learning more about academic programs available at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), please plan to attend ACHE Day in the Math-Science Building lobby between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on September 5, 2024. Admissions reps will be on hand to discuss their graduate programs which include the doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine, Occupational and Physical Therapy degrees, and master’s in public health and biomedicine. Based on our affiliation agreement, UAFS students who meet admissions requirements are guaranteed to get interviews for admission into these competitive programs.

Great American Defense Community: The Association of Defense Communities has named Fort Smith as one of three cities selected as a Great American Defense Community for 2024. Tonight, I will represent UAFS as we announce and celebrate this prestigious award during the Northside and Southside football game. I am proud to live in a community that is completely committed to securing our freedoms and protecting our democracy.

Labor Day: As a reminder, UAFS will be closed on Monday, September 2, in honor of Labor Day. I hope all of you have a relaxing and safe long weekend.

It is my honor to serve as your chancellor.

Terisa Riley

Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D.

Chancellor

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

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