Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

News Stories

UAFS News

Students attending the summer band camp practice at Breedlove Auditorium
Arts and SciencesAthleticsCommunityEventsFeatured

Summer Camps at UAFS Begin in June

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is offering camps throughout the summer, ranging from volleyball and basketball to band for kids ages K-12.

May 15, 2026
Rachel and Hailey Malik in one of their classrooms.
AthleticsBell TowerHealth Education and Human Sciences

Twins Race Towards Careers

Senior cross-country runners and twin sisters, Rachel and Hailey Malik, have used their time at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith to streak down trails and engage the minds of dozens of elementary-aged students.

May 01, 2026
Brenda Fredriksen, 24, runs down the court to assist her teammate during a close basketball game.
AlumniAthleticsBell Tower

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.

May 01, 2026
Fanny Wesley, center, was the first Black cheerleader at UAFS. At the 2026 Homecoming, she posed with the current UAFS Cheer team.
AlumniAthleticsBell Tower

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.

May 01, 2026
Jarren McAllister dribbles down the court at Stubblefield Arena during a UAFS men's basketball game.
AthleticsBell Tower

Cementing History on the Hardwood

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith men's basketball team wrapped up one of its best seasons as a D-II program, including a Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association tournament appearance for the first time, and ranking as high as No....

May 01, 2026
UAFS Bell Tower
AthleticsChancellorCommunityStudents

Campus Update, April 24, 2026

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith chancellor, Dr. Terisa Riley, discussed students who have completed or secured summer internships with NASA, congratulated the UAFS Women's Golf team, and more in an April 24 update.

April 24, 2026
Daniel de Mondesert (right) high-fives Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta in the Brewers stadium. Photo is courtesy of Scott Paulus/Milwaukee Brewers
AlumniAthleticsBell TowerBusiness and IndustryFeatured

A Major League Dream

UAFS alum, Daniel de Mondesert, '20, is one of the youngest coaches in Major League Baseball. He has climbed the ranks with the Milwaukee Brewers and is proof that it doesn't matter where you start if you're willing to put in the effort to get there....

December 01, 2025
Image of an American Flag with the silhouette of a soldier saluting.
AthleticsFeatured

UAFS to Host Military Appreciation Night Nov. 7

Military Appreciation Night at UAFS will honor U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members during the Nov. 7 volleyball match against Newman University. Plus, two Lions will be presented with a personalized plaque by Chancellor Terisa...

November 07, 2025
Dozens of toys are thrown onto the court of the Stubblefield Center during annual UAFS Toy Toss
AthleticsCommunityEventsFeatured

UAFS Toy Toss to Return Nov. 18

The UAFS Toy Toss returns on Nov. 18 against the University of the Ozarks. Come cheer on the men's basketball team for their home opener, and bring a new, soft toy in exchange for free admission. Once the Lions score their first point, toys will...

November 04, 2025
Jarren McAllister stands in the Stubblefield Arena seats tossing a basketball in one hand
AthleticsHealth Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

Jarren McAllister: The Tears of Adversity

Jarren McAllister, a healthcare administration graduate student and men's basketball player at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, suffered back-to-back-to-back ACL injuries before turning to his faith and education as a way back to the court.

September 26, 2025
Abby Summitt spins a basketball on the court of the Stubblefield Center at UAFS
Arts and SciencesAthleticsLion Voices

Abby Summitt and When the Ball Stops Bouncing

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith senior biology major Abby Summitt details how an injury almost cut her playing career short and how basketball has helped her academically in her pursuit of dental school.

September 19, 2025
UAFS alum Matthew Schilling takes an at-bat for the Fort Smith Marshals.
AlumniAthleticsCommunity

Rounding the Bases: Matthew Schilling’s Homecoming

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith alum Matthew Schilling continues to call Crowder Field home as he suits up for the Fort Smith Marshals baseball team.

July 17, 2025
DaVaunta
AthleticsFeaturedNews

UAFS Celebrates 2025 Hall of Fame Class

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith celebrated the induction of the 2025 Coach Louis Whorton Hall of Fame class on Monday, April 21, recognizing the last 25 years of athletic excellence and leadership.

April 22, 2025
MIAA mascots stand at the mound with the Kansas City Royals mascot
AthleticsCommunityEventsFeatured

UAFS, Royals team up for MIAA Day at the K

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith joins members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association for the second MIAA Day at the K on Saturday, April 26.

April 21, 2025
Costumed mascots of MIAA teams at the pitcher's mound
AthleticsBell Tower

Day at the K Brings Old Friends and New

The beginning of fall athletics marked the start of the inaugural season for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

October 17, 2024
UAFS students, alumni, and fans throw soft toys onto the court at the Stubblefield Center for Toy Toss.
AthleticsCommunityEventsFeatured

UAFS Toy Toss to Return Nov. 12

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith will kick off the holiday season with the return of the Toy Toss on November 12. Fans can attend the men's basketball game for free with the donation of a new or gently used soft toy that will be thrown onto...

October 17, 2024
people throwing small plush toys
AthleticsBell TowerEvents

Return of Toy Toss

In 2023, a beloved tradition made its way back to the Stubblefield Center as plush lions, tigers, and bears covered the floor of the Gayle Kaundard Arena.

October 16, 2024
cheer team members in knee-deep ocean water
AthleticsBell Tower

From the Sidelines to the Main Stage

In the first game of the fall athletic calendar – a volleyball home and conference opener on Sept.28 – spectators had a chance to see the national championship UAFS cheer team.

October 16, 2024
Kauffman Stadium, where MLB's Kansas City Royals play, under the lights
AthleticsCommunityEventsFeatured

UAFS Joins Royals for MIAA Day at The K

Members of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith community are invited to join MLB fans for the MIAA Day at the K on July 21. The Kansas City Royals host the Chicago White Sox in an afternoon matchup.

June 26, 2024
Garrett Scott is surrounded by family and friends as he signs his National Letter of Intent to play basketball for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
AthleticsNewsStudents

Second Recruiting Class for Gibson Starts with Local Talent

Zane Gibson, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith men's head basketball coach, kicked off his second season and recruitment with a local player. Garrett Scott, a point guard from Pocola High School, recently signed his National Letter of Intent...

April 19, 2024

Popular Topics

Media Relations

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

Send%20an%20Email

Stay Up-to-Date

Sign up to receive news and updates.

Subscribe

Rachel Rodemann Putman

  • Director of Strategic Communications
  • 479-788-7132
Submit A News Tip