News Stories
UAFS News
UAFS Homecoming is Around the Corner
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is putting the final touches on Homecoming 2026. Throughout the week of Feb. 23-28, there will be new and returning favorites for everyone to enjoy.
February 16, 2026
Students Fill Hearts Through Homemade Meals
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith students, a professor, and an alum teamed up to cook and serve meals at the Salvation Army of Fort Smith to unhoused on Feb. 7.
February 11, 2026
Learning Mandarin Made Easy
UAFS professor Dr. Ann-Gee Lee leans on her heritage to bring back a free Mandarin course for students, faculty, staff, and the community.
January 30, 2026
UAFS Crews Prepare Campus for Winter Storm with Updated Ice Control Plan
UAFS grounds crews prepare the campus as winter storm approaches in order to make certain students, faculty and staff remain safe and can access the areas they need
January 21, 2026
River Valley MLK Commission to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Events
Several events are scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, both on the UAFS campus and across the River Valley.
January 05, 2026
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.
December 31, 2025
Victorian Christmas Event Slated for Friday, Dec. 12
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Drennen-Scott Historic Site's Victorian Christmas Open House returns for the holiday season on Dec. 12.
December 04, 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
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
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
Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway Spreads Cheer
UAFS distributed more than 150 Thanksgiving meals to students and employees ahead of the holiday break.
November 20, 2025
Culture Fest: An Annual Tradition Returns
Culture Fest returns to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith as part of International Education Week. Culture Fest 2025 will kick off a week's worth of events on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Recreation and Wellness Center.
November 07, 2025
Nearly 200 Food Boxes Distributed Amid SNAP Uncertainty
UAFS distributed 194 food boxes to students and employees on Thursday, Nov. 6, in response to increased need this fall and community-wide uncertainty around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
November 06, 2025
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
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
Excellence in Family and Small Business Award Winners Recognized
The second Center for Economic Development Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards recognized ten businesses and individuals from across the region.
October 31, 2025
Almost, Maine Takes Stage Nov. 6-8
UAFS Theatre will present John Cariani’s Almost, Maine, Nov. 6-8 in Breedlove Auditorium.
October 28, 2025
Nursing Students to Assist at Minority Health Fair
Senior nursing students from the UAFS Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing will administer free flu and COVID-19 vaccines during a community health fair Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4916 High...
October 23, 2025
Wounded Warrior Project to Visit UAFS
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and Wounded Warrior Project will host a free public event Monday, Oct. 20, to connect veterans, active-duty service members, and military families with connection, support services, and community resources.
October 14, 2025
Paint the Town Blue Reaches New Heights
More than 100 businesses across Fort Smith, Greenwood, Van Buren, and Lavaca joined the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith this August to celebrate the start of the fall semester with the third annual “Paint the Town Blue” campaign.
October 13, 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