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UAFS student, Erika Johnson, center, walks with other Cub Camp counselors and students outside of the Stubblefield Center.
Arts and SciencesFirst GenerationLion Voices

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
Seth Fields carefully measures out the organic solvent he researched with Dr. Jordan Mader, an associate professor of chemistry.
Arts and SciencesLion Voices

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
A side view portrait of a marbled orb weaver spider building its web.
Arts and SciencesBell TowerFeatured

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
Aerial photo of a snow-covered UAFS Campus Green with the Bell Tower, Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Math Science Building, and Breedlove Building in the background.
AlumniArts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryCenter for Economic DevelopmentFeaturedHealth Education and Human SciencesIntrepid Ambition

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
UAFS students smile as they walk through the stubblefield center at graduation
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryHealth Education and Human Sciences

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
UAFS alum Kyle Speegle and his son pose in front of their Extreme Light Show
AlumniArts and SciencesCommunity

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, UAFS student has a
AlumniArt and DesignArts and SciencesBell TowerLion Voices

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
Image of the Boreham Library at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryEventsHealth Education and Human SciencesStudents

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
Crews work on the new UAFS Windgate entryway in early november 2025
Art and DesignArts and SciencesCommunityFoundationGiving

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
a scientist works on the ATKA Go chromatography system
Arts and SciencesNews

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
Petri dishes are shown in a microbiology lab
Arts and SciencesFeaturedNews

$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
A student loads cell samples into a machine for testing
Arts and SciencesCommunity

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
Katie Waugh speaks to a crowd at the annual UAFS Forge Ahead event.
Art and DesignArts and SciencesNews

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
Portrait of Dr. Rachel Lehman in front of the UAFS Math Science Building
Arts and SciencesFeaturedNews

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, 2025
Two UAFS students from left to right, Abdur-Rehman Sajjad and Tyler Teague, accept their check for $500 after coming in second place during the thrid Lion's Lair Business Plan Competition. The students are joined by UAFS staff members, Ty Barrett and Kendall Ross.
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryCenter for Economic DevelopmentHealth Education and Human SciencesNewsStudents

‘Shark Tank’ Inspired Competition Returns to UAFS

The Lion's Lair Business Plan Competition returned to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith for its third year. The 'Shark Tank' inspired competition provided six student-led teams with the opportunity to create and pitch a new business idea, marketing...

November 17, 2025
A group of 10 students pose with Numa at the Stubblefield Center during the UAFS fall Den Day
AdmissionsArts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryFeaturedHealth Education and Human SciencesNews

Den Day Delivers Record-Breaking Attendance

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith set another Den Day attendance record on Thursday. With more than 600 prospective high school students attending the event, the Nov. 13 Den Day marks the third in a row to set a record for growth.

November 13, 2025
Artist Johana Moscoso sits in front of a colorful mural
Art and DesignArts and SciencesNews

UAFS Art & Design Welcomes Artist in Residence, Johana Moscoso

Johana Moscoso becomes the newest artist accepted into the UAFS Art & Design Artist in Residence program. Moscoso, a Colombian-American visual artist working in fiber, installation, and performance, is the eighth since 2022, and will remain at UAFS...

November 10, 2025
Josiah Olmstead poses with a pair of giraffes at Zoo Atlanta during the filming of his documentary,
AlumniArts and SciencesBell TowerCommunityEvents

UAFS to Host Alum's Documentary Honoring Grandfather

UAFS alum Josiah Olmstead, '13, spent three years making a documentary honoring the life and work of his late grandfather, Dick Sweeney. Sweeney was one of the seven founders of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, which changed the landscape...

November 05, 2025
Students network with employees from ArcBest at the All-Majors Career Fair on October 29
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryHealth Education and Human SciencesNewsStudents

Students Get Jump Start on Jobs at All-Majors Career Fair

Nearly 200 students and alumni from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith attended the All-Majors Career Fair, where they had an opportunity to network with more than 40 area businesses.

October 31, 2025
Aerial view of the UAFS Campus Green.
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryHealth Education and Human Sciences

Recession-Proof Careers: Jobs Designed to Withstand an Economic Downfall

As the economy fluctuates, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is committed to teaching and preparing students to graduate and secure stable careers.

October 31, 2025

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The UAFS Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.

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Rachel Rodemann Putman

  • Director of Strategic Communications
  • 479-788-7132
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