Arts and Sciences | Business and Industry | Featured | Health Education and Human Sciences | StudentsJune 20, 2025

‘Lion Family’ Grows with Mane Event

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith hosted more than 450 people on campus Friday for the first of three Mane Event sessions this summer. The new student orientation welcomed 255 students and 200 guests, comprising family and friends, for a day of information.

The future Lions spent the day touring UAFS, meeting faculty, staff, and peers, and gathering resources to support their success as they continue their academic journeys this fall.

Stephany Dobbins, coordinator for new student and family programs, recently shared her excitement for the kickoff of the annual summer orientation, saying she couldn’t wait to welcome students to the “Lion Family.”

Friday’s Mane Event brought in students from neighboring states, like Oklahoma and Texas, as well as students from across the Natural State. Aaliyah Gilkey from Danville, Ark., came with her mom and two of her eight siblings. She said she plans to major in early childhood education through the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, and was interested in what UAFS had to offer after hearing from friends in Danville who also attend the university.

Criminal justice major Ryan Hertlein will join UAFS from Paris, Ark., and has high hopes for the revamped program to help him achieve his goal of a career in law enforcement. The proximity to home is a plus for Ryan, he said, as it will allow him to take classes and return home where he currently works as an intern for the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. Friday was one of the first steps toward earning his degree, which he already has pride in having.

“I want to look back and say, ‘Hey, I went to that school. I was there. I was part of that, and I got my degree there,’” Ryan said. “I’m excited to look at this campus and say, ‘This is where my life started. This is where my career started. This was the jumping off point to get going.’”

Van Buren High School friends Camille Butler, Kai Gavelis, Bethany Alfonzo, and Randy Velazquez all plan to major in a discipline from the College of Arts and Sciences, ranging from biochemistry to math and cybersecurity. All four agreed that attending UAFS with established friends will be a benefit to their support system as classes begin in August.

Two more Mane Events will take place this summer at UAFS, including a Spanish-language track for families on July 11. The final Mane Event will be on July 25. Students can register here. The summer’s orientation programs will conclude on August 8 with Lion Launch, which is geared toward non-traditional, transfer, and readmitted students. For more information about Lion Launch, please visit https://uafs.edu/student-life/student-family-programs/lion-launch.php.

• Tags:
• New Student and Family Programs
• New Student Orientation UAFS
• Lion Launch
• MANE Event