News Stories

UAFS Grads Part of History at A-State

Three University of Arkansas - Fort Smith graduates are among the inaugural veterinary medicine doctorate cohort at Arkansas State University. For Nayda Barbry, '23, the opportunity is a result of her perseverance.

Preparing Nurses of the Future

Dr. Tammy Rogers, simulation coordinator and assistant professor, knew she wanted to be a nurse since she was a child. She now uses that passion to educate and prepare future nurses who go through UAFS.

Six Inducted into Cub Camp Hall of Fame

Cub Camp 2026 welcomed the newest Hall of Fame inductees. This year's group of four alumni and two rising senior students becomes the third Cub Camp Hall of Fame class.

Alumna Looks to the Stars for the Origins of Life

Alumna Shelby Osborne credits her time at UAFS for instilling in her the drive and opportunity to complete her PhD and seek the origins of life.

Lane Metcalf Sets Out to Improve the Classroom

Lane Metcalf's undergraduate research on classroom interventions earned publication and prepared him for a career in education.

UAFS Alum Cyndi Glidewell Turned Nursing Degree into Lifetime of Adventure

Cyndi Glidewell's professional life has spanned hospital floors, international consulting projects, book publishing and a niche travel business and all started with a nursing degree from Westark Community College.

Katie Grace Cavanass Finds her Focus

There’s a particular moment in college when things start to click—not because you’ve mapped out your whole future, but because someone sees promise in you and offers you an opportunity you can grow into. For Katie Grace Cavaness, that moment...

UAFS History Through the Eyes of Sharon Winn

Since being founded in 1928, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has undergone five name changes. Only one person has been part of the university for every iteration.

Breaking Barriers without Knowing It

Fanny Wesley experienced a lot of firsts in her life. One of the most impactful was when she attended the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, then Westark College, and became the first Black cheerleader and first Black woman on the homecoming court.

Fredriksen Family Leaves Lasting Mark

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has been at the center of Brenda Fredriksen's and her family's lives for two generations.

Borrowing Belief: The Leadership Journey of Susan DeWoody

Susan DeWoody came to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, then Westark College, as a first-generation student. She left with the tools needed to succeed and help others, eventually becoming the first female provost at Oklahoma Baptist University...

Foundation Forged in Fort Smith

Megan Nichols, '15, has been climbing the banking ladder since she was a student at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Her successful foundation was established in Fort Smith before she pursued an opportunity in Dallas.

Class Notes, Summer 2026

Regalia Drive Slated April 18

The 2025-2026 Lion Leadership class will host a cap and gown donation drive from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 18, in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center on the UAFS campus.

Home is Where the Art Is

A University of Arkansas - Fort Smith associate professor of art, Peter Cullum, shares the importance of art and how it has shaped who he is and how he teaches students.

UAFS Alumni Celebrate Match Day at ARCOM

Alumni from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith found out where they will spend their residency programs during Match Day at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine on March 20.

Alumni Award Winners Announced

UAFS recognized alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders during its annual Homecoming brunch Feb. 28, presenting the 2026 Alumni-Owned Business of the Year, Outstanding Young Alumni, Stacey Jones Outstanding Faculty/Staff, Spirit of Numa, and...

Tracie Griffith’s Unretirement – Putting Students First

When Tracie Griffith left the classroom after more than 20 years as a K-12 teacher, she realized something was missing. It was students. In her first year at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, she is finding that she's still making a difference...

Class Notes, Spring 2026

Class notes from alumni coming from October 2025 to January 2026. If you have any information you'd like to share with your fellow alumni and us, follow the link below the notes to the Class Notes submissions!

UAFS Alum Builds Career Through Science and Persistence

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith alum, Jordan Miesner-Davis, is helping change lives as a scientist. He helps companies develop and test safe medications for distribution.