News Stories

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Start Strong: Tips for Setting and Sticking to Your Wellness Goals in the New Year

Cory Williams, assistant director of recreation and wellness, shared practical strategies for setting meaningful goals, staying motivated and taking advantage of campus resources designed to support healthy habits.

UAFS 2026 Homecoming Schedule Revealed

Homecoming returns to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith from Feb. 23-28, 2026. The university is excited to share a full schedule for the week, including both new and returning events.

2025: An 'Ambitious' Year for UAFS

View some of the top stories and events at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith from 2025.

Kyle Speegle Lights up the River Valley

UAFS alumni light up the River Valley in all kinds of ways—through service, creativity, and a spirit of community that they fostered right here on campus. But some alumni, like, Kyle Speegle ‘02, take their “lighting” a little more seriously...

Alex Dotulong Turns Artist360 Grant Into Creative Momentum

When UAFS student Alex Dotulong applied for an Artists 360 grant last year, he hoped he’d earn some of the funds needed to upgrade his aging computer. Now that his award year comes to a close, he says the award actually gave him much more.