News Stories
UAFS News
There's A Reason Why We Like Candy, Chemistry Explains It All
An associate professor of chemistry at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith details how science explains candy preferences and composition. Chemistry, down to the molecular level, is why certain sweet treats are favorites.
February 13, 2026
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...
February 05, 2026
UAFS Ornithologist Gives Snowday Birdwatching Advice
As snowfall blankets the River Valley, bird watchers are flocking to their windows and feeders, enjoying the return of familiar winter species and hoping for rare visitors. Dr. Ragupathy Kannan, professor of ornithology at the University of Arkansas...
January 23, 2026
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.
January 23, 2026
New Lab Benches to Modernize UAFS Chemistry Laboratory
Bench in the chemestry lab in the Math-Science buidling at UAFS are being updated and replaced with new tops and space.
January 16, 2026
Aid Fuels Research Opportunities
UAFS senior biology student, Shelby Zink, credits the financial aid she has received as the reason why she was able to attend college and follow her dream of becoming a field researcher.
December 15, 2025
A Change of Heart
A heart condition was found in Seth Fields, a senior at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, while he was in high school. The medical scare has influenced his future career, as he will graduate from UAFS this fall and plans to attend medical...
December 10, 2025
First-Generation Student Spotlight: Erika Johnson
Erika Johnson always knew she wanted to go to college, but she didn't always feel she had the tools to succeed. By always being willing to ask questions and for help, Erika found a home at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
December 10, 2025
Five Secure SURF Grants; Record for UAFS
Five students from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith have received Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Grants from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, setting a record for UAFS.
December 10, 2025
2025: An 'Ambitious' Year for UAFS
View some of the top stories and events at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith from 2025.
December 08, 2025
357 Grads to Cross the Stage Saturday
UAFS will confer degrees and credentials to more than 350 students during its Fall 2025 commencement ceremonies, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Stubblefield Center.
December 08, 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...
December 04, 2025
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.
December 03, 2025
Don’t Procrastinate; Go Roaring into Finals Prepared
The semi-annual finals night of preparation returns to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4-9 p.m. at the Boreham Library. This semester's theme for the Long Night Against Procrastination is the Roaring Twenties.
December 02, 2025
Windgate Expansion Opens new Front Doors
The UAFS Windgate Art & Design Building expansion project reached a visible milestone this fall, with the exterior structure of the main addition now complete, and a new public entrance opened on November 28.
December 01, 2025
$50,000 Grant to Fund Microbiology Labs, Research
A $50,000 faculty recruitment grant will help UAFS build its microbiology program, equip a new shared research lab, and expand hands-on opportunities for undergraduate students through the Arkansas INBRE network.
December 01, 2025
Chromatography Technology Coming to UAFS Thanks to INBRE Grant
A grant of more than $44,000 will bring advanced chromatography technology to the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, opening new hands-on research and training opportunities for hundreds of students and helping prepare the region’s growing bioscience...
December 01, 2025
Research Den Brings Cancer, Cell Researchers to Fort Smith
Two University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences graduate students will bring their cancer and cell biology research to downtown Fort Smith on Dec. 4 as part of the Research Den series, a free public program designed to connect the River Valley with...
November 25, 2025
UAFS Art & Design Programs Earn NASAD Accreditation
UAFS has earned reaccreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) for both baccalaureate programs in its Department of Art & Design
November 24, 2025
Math Professor Earns Teacher of the Year Honors
Dr. Rachel Lehman, assistant professor of mathematics, was named the 2025 Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics Teacher of the Year - Excellence in Four-Year College/University Mathematics Teaching Award on Nov. 18.
November 21, 2025Media Relations
The UAFS Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send%20an%20EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu