Alumni | First Generation | Lion VoicesJune 18, 2025

Eighteen Years and Counting with Stephany Dobbins

Written By: Ian Silvester

Stephany Dobbins does what she loves, and she pours that enthusiasm into every program she plans.

As coordinator of new student and family programs at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Dobbins is often one of the first people students meet when joining the “Lion Family.” 

Dobbin’s passion for helping students take their first steps toward success began when she accepted a part-time position in the testing center. That step became the catalyst for much of her life over the last 20 years. 

“I’ve been here almost 18 years, but not a day goes by that I’m not thankful for this place,” she smiled. 

That part-time position eventually turned into a full-time job, which provided Dobbins with the financial flexibility to return to school. Dobbins graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.  

As a non-traditional student, Dobbins knew she would face challenges. Her time as an employee helped her navigate the difficulties along the way, she said. 

“I knew a lot of the staff and faculty already, so I had those relationships. It was easy for me when I was struggling with anything to be able to talk to them,” Dobbins said. “Our faculty understands that as a non-traditional student, you may have a family, children, or a spouse, or you may work full time. They really understand the life balance of our students.” 

As a student, Dobbins found her passion for helping prepare incoming students. She became involved with a non-traditional student organization on campus and served as its president for several years. 

She has used that experience to help in many programs she now oversees. 

“That’s what started my passion for orientations in general,” she said. 

Lion Launch, scheduled for August 8, is an orientation designed to meet the needs of non-traditional, adult, and transfer students. Under Dobbins’ guidance, the program has grown from around 20 participants to more than 130 this summer, the largest yet. 

While non-traditional students are near and dear to her heart, Dobbins’ talent for getting students excited about attending UAFS shines brightest during Mane Event and the fall’s Family Weekend.  

Mane Event, the required orientation for incoming students, has grown under Dobbins to include three dates during the summer term. It recently began including a Spanish-speaking track as well. Each Mane Event is a day for students, along with their parents or families, to explore all things UAFS. They tour the campus, meet with upperclassmen, faculty, and deans, and return home with valuable information about resources at UAFS to support their success. 

“I love seeing students and families come. You can see those who are nervous about what they’ve got themselves into, but by the end of the day, you can totally see their whole personality change. They’re excited about being here,” Dobbins said. 

By October, that nervousness turns into excited anticipation for Family Weekend. That weekend is the time when the lion family that Dobbins is most proud of is on full display. 

“It’s what I love most about UAFS,” she said. “It’s the connections. It’s the family environment, feeling like you’re at home, and feeling like this is a place where you can thrive.” 

Dobbins has made a lasting impression on the university, and the university has left a mark on her. She considers the people here her family and said she has no intention to leave. 

“The students are the reason I say that I’m here. I love them. I love their stories and seeing their success,” Dobbins said. “We at UAFS want to see the best in our students, and we will do whatever we can to help you succeed.”

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• MANE Event
• New Student and Family Programs
• Alumni
• Lion Voices