Health Education and Human Sciences | Lion VoicesMarch 26, 2026

An Appreciative Return to the Fort

Written By: Ian Silvester

After growing up in Fort Smith and graduating from Southside High School, Beck Pair was eager for a change of scenery. College was their opportunity to leave, and after experiencing life in central Arkansas, the chance to return home showed them that the grass might have been greener here all along. 

“I was ready to get out of Fort Smith for a little bit. None of the cool stuff at the Bakery District had happened yet. It was still kind of sleepy in Fort Smith. But while I was gone, it picked up a little bit,” Pair said. “Coming back and working here, I have a new perspective on Fort Smith and the things and opportunities that are here.” 

Pair attended the University of Central Arkansas, where they graduated with a degree in psychology in 2021. In the fall of 2024, a position opened in the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences as an administrative assistant for the Department of Human Sciences, and Pair saw it as an opportunity to put their degree to work. 

“I thought, ‘Oh, this is perfect,’” Pair said. “My degree gives me a lot of background knowledge and helps me run the department. I have more insight into the topics they’re talking about and the things that students need for labs or textbooks or whatever else.” 

Pair said that, despite being from Fort Smith, working at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has given them a greater appreciation for the city and an excitement about what the university and community have to offer. 

It’s a sentiment Pair is happy to share with students who might feel the same way. 

“The idea of leaving and doing your own thing is appealing. But, to be realistic, that may not work out. I promise you, it’s not the end of the world, and it’s a cool spot,” they said. “You can talk to me, and I can help you find stuff to do or help connect you with places you’re interested in. There are groups all over the city. I’m queer and so finding that space in Fort Smith is a little difficult, but it exist. … It’s about putting yourself out there, and I promise there’s something for you.” 

Part of Pair’s role in their department is to show students what’s available to them on campus as well. They produce newsletters for psychology and social work, providing students with information of interest. 

Pair said that being close in age to current students makes it easier to create a newsletter that balances creativity and information to ensure students receive the messaging they need. 

“I feel like it definitely makes me a more effective communicator,” they said with a smile. 

For the time being, Pair enjoys not being a student, but said having a job in higher education keeps the idea at the forefront. 

“I’m kind of surprised by it,” they joked. “I’ve thought about getting a master’s in student affairs or higher education administration, which was not even remotely in my sphere of what I wanted to do before I started here.” 

Before Pair embarks on pursuing more education, they encourage anyone, especially psychology or social work students, to pop into their office in Vines. Pair is happy to discuss classes, clinics, information sessions, mental health, or to nerd out on books or Dungeons and Dragons. Overall, Pair is just happy to have found their way back home, to a place where while it’s easy to want to leave, staying is rewarding. 

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• College of Health Education and Human Sciences
• Lion Voices
• Department of Human Sciences