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ChancellorSeptember 26, 2025
Campus Update, September 26, 2025
Written By: Terisa Riley
Hello, colleagues and students.
Happy Friday! It is an absolutely beautiful day in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and it has
been delightful to see so much activity on campus this week.
University of Arkansas Board of Trustees: Today, the UA Board of Trustees voted unanimously
to approve demolition of the 51st Street Annex. This building has been vacant for
two years and represents $1.2 million in deferred maintenance for our campus. This
activity is represented in our UAFS Facilities Master Plan.
Vice Chancellor Blake Rickman also provided an informational report about the creation
of the UAFS Center for Nonprofits. Our trustees were excited to learn about this transformational
initiative at UAFS.
Kudos: Thank you to Jennifer King, the university's chief of staff and legislative
liaison, for hosting our second Town Hall Forum this week. During the event, Ms. King
explained the new laws that were enacted during the 95th General Assembly in the state
of Arkansas. I appreciated the thoughtful questions, both pre-submitted and discussed
during the actual forum. I also am grateful to the members of the University of Arkansas
System who joined us virtually.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Congratulations to our Hispanic Heritage Month Committee,
chaired by Christina Castorena, on hosting an incredibly successful Salsa at the Bell
Tower… At the Reynolds Room. The rain did not dampen anyone's spirits, and hundreds
of people joined us for dancing, delicious food, and tons of fun.
UAFS Licensed Merchandise Fort Smith Retail Locations: Several of our employees and
students have asked me where they can go to purchase UAFS merchandise in our community.
Thank you, Assistant Vice Chancellor Chris Kelly, for compiling the list below:
- Follett UAFS Bookstore – Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center
-
Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Mon.-Thur.): 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Fri.) – Closed Weekends
-
- Walmart Super Centers (Fort Smith locations) - T-shirt and sweatshirt selection
- 2100 N. 62nd Street, (Open: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
- 8301 North Rogers Avenue, (Open: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
- 2425 South Zero Street, (Open: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- JCPenney Central Mall Location (Fort Smith)
- 5111 Rogers Avenue
- She-Studios at The Shops at Brick City(Fort Smith) - Limited watercolor art
-
3215 South 74th Street, (Open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
-
- RallyHouse Fort Smith Pavilions
- 4171 Phoenix Avenue (Open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.)
I hope all of you have a fun, relaxing weekend and have a chance to enjoy this beautiful
Arkansas weather.
Best always,
Terisa Riley
- Tags:
- Chancellor
Media Relations
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- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu