Alumni | Class NotesAugust 18, 2025

Class Notes, Summer 2025

Written By: Jacob Childers

Have you recently celebrated a new job, promotion, wedding, baby, or new degree? Been published, gone on a fun adventure, started a new business, moved into a new home, or welcomed a grandchild? Let us - and your classmates - know what you've been doing since your time at UAFS, Westark, or Fort Smith Junior College by submitting a class note. Approved class notes will be published here and in our electronic newsletter Lion Lines. We love to get photos too, and we'll happily share them here and on our socials.

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1980s

Sandra Hayes (Campbell), '87, retired in 2017 after 28 years of teaching in Fort Smith Public Schools. Currently, she is the president of the Friends of Van Buren Library, actively involved in church activities, and enjoys watching her granddaughter play softball and volleyball. Van Buren, AR

2000s

Ben Gaither, ‘08, is starting law school at UALR Bowen this fall. Maumelle, AR

2010s

Jeannie Pope, ‘10, works at Propak Logistics, part of Pallet Logistics of America, marking her 25th year with the company. She was recently promoted to Director of Tax. Greenwood, AR

Brock Williams, ‘14, was promoted to Manager, Enterprise Account Management at ArcBest as of May 27. Van Buren, AR

Chris Howard, ‘15, serves as the Assistant General Counsel for Propelled Brands, a multi-brand franchisor platform. Propelled Brands franchises FASTSIGNS, My Salon Suite, Camp Bow Wow, and Nerds To Go concepts around the world. Carrollton, TX

Zachary Grant-Swanson, ‘16, completed a Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership from Northeastern State University in Spring 2020 and is in his first year of the University of Arkansas’ Doctorate of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning Program. Recently married on November 2, 2024. Tulsa, OK

Hayley Howard, ‘16, started a new role as the Community Development Coordinator for The Gregory Kistler Center. Van Buren, AR

Tyler McMellon, ‘19, started a new job at Wintrust Commercial Finance as an Operations Analyst on June 24, 2024. Frisco, TX

Rebecca Strong, ‘19, accepted a position as a High School History teacher at Muldrow Public Schools. She holds a BA in History from UAFS, MA in History and MEd in Curriculum and Online Instruction from Liberty University, BS in Health Information Management (HIM) from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), and is nearing completion of her MS in HIM from SNHU. She is Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credentialed and pursued the alternative route to obtain her Oklahoma teaching certificate. Muldrow, OK

2020s

Parker Bartlett (Battles), ‘20, welcomed two children, aged 2.5 years and 3 months. Broken Arrow, OK

Taylor Youngblood-James, ‘21, transitioned to Dean of Students at eStem Public Charter School in 2024, after serving as Director of Communications and Mass Media for the Arkansas Storm Educational Sports Program. Earned a Master’s in K-12 Building Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. Little Rock, AR

Peter Crites, ‘22, obtained an Associate’s degree from UAFS and graduated with a BS in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas in May 2025. Employed by J.B. Hunt at their corporate office in Lowell, AR. Fayetteville, AR

Sydney Cook (Seegers), ‘23, moved positions and is now the Executive Assistant in the Office of the Chancellor. Fort Smith, AR

Bethany Crippen, ‘24, graduated from UAFS in May 2024. Worked as a Substitute Teacher from 2022–2025 and became a Paraprofessional Helper at Greenwood High School, assisting with special needs in 2025. Greenwood, AR

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