George McGill, mayor-elect of Fort Smith and representative of District 78 in the Arkansas House of Representatives, will speak at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s fall commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Stubblefield Center, located at 532 N. Waldron Road.
This fall, McGill became the first African American to be elected mayor in Fort Smith following six years of service to the area as a state representative. During his time as a legislator, he served on numerous committees and chaired the Aging, Children, Youth Legislative & Military Affairs Committee. In 2017, he became the deputy pro tempore of the House of Representatives.
His accomplishments as representative include helping secure more than $1 million for the U.S. Marshals Museum, protecting higher education funding and boasting a perfect voting record on legislation related to protecting children and families.
McGill holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas.
“Mayor-elect McGill has been a powerful voice for our community as a state representative to this area, and we look forward to working with him to strengthen the bond between UAFS and Fort Smith in his role as mayor,” said Dr. Edward Serna, interim chancellor of UAFS. “His advice to graduates is timely as he assumes mayoral duties in January. We look forward to hearing his words of wisdom.”
The fall commencement ceremony will honor the nearly 500 students completing graduation requirements during the second summer and fall semesters.
Dr. Don Bobbitt, president of the University of Arkansas System, will also be in attendance.
In addition to Chancellor Serna, UAFS administrators presenting candidates are Dr. Georgia Hale, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs; Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology; Dr. Ashok Subramanian, dean of the College of Business; Dr. Carolyn Mosley, dean of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. Paul Hankins, dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Ron Darbeau, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Dr. Norm Dennis, senior associate dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville; and Wayne Womack, registrar.
Christopher Cluck, chair of the alumni advisory council, will also provide a welcome from the Alumni Association. Mitzi Jones, chief marshal and bearer of the mace, will give a call to order and adjournment. Music will be provided by the UAFS Symphonic Band. Dr. Stephen Husarik, head carillonneur, will provide pre-ceremony music and post-recessional bell peal on the Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower carillon.