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

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 staff and students give away thanksgiving meals under the Campus Center portico
CommunityEventsGiving

Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway Spreads Cheer

UAFS distributed more than 150 Thanksgiving meals to students and employees ahead of the holiday break.

November 20, 2025
Students perform a dance at Culture Fest at the UAFS RAWC.
CommunityEventsFeatured

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
Students load boxes of food into cars during a food giveaway at UAFS
CommunityFeaturedGiving

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
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
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
Audience members applaud during the second Center for Economic Development Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards at the Bakery District
Center for Economic DevelopmentCommunityFeaturedNews

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
two actors pose during a photo call if the UAFS production, Almost, Maine
CommunityEvents

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
UAFS nursing students pose in fall leaves
CommunityEventsHealth Education and Human Sciences

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
military personnel stand at attention
CommunityEvents

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
JamMart represents its Lion Pride with a Paint the Town Blue sign
CommunityNews

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, 2025
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin speaks at a podium in front of a backdrop displaying the seal for the Attorney General of Arkansas.
CommunityEventsFeaturedNews

One Pill Can Kill Training Comes to UAFS

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin will be at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith to deliver One Pill Can Kill Training on Oct. 6. The statewide initiative is aimed at educating college students about the deadly risks of fentanyl-laced counterfeit...

October 01, 2025
A family poses with letters that spell out UAFS at Family Weekend
CommunityEventsFeatured

Family Weekend Returns Oct. 3-4

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith welcomes families and alumni to campus on October 3-4 for its annual Family Weekend.

September 19, 2025
UAFS students share signs with why they registered to vote during National Voter Registration Day
CommunityEventsFeaturedStudents

UAFS Celebrates Constitution Week with Full Slate of Events

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith engages students with civic-minded events for Constitution Week.

September 11, 2025
Elmer Reyes, of Elmer's Chem-Dry, accepts his award for Hispanic-Owned Small Business with his family
CommunityFeatured

Sit Down with Elmer's Chem-Dry: CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Award Winner

Question-and-answer with Elmer's Chem-Dry, the inaugural Hispanic-owned business award winner from the 2024 Center for Economic Development's Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards.

September 04, 2025
The bakery district against a bright blue sky
CommunityEvents

Nominations Open for UAFS Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards at Bakery District

The event recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements among regional family-owned and small businesses, as well as business advisors who support these enterprises.

August 25, 2025
Two UAFS students each hold a stuffed Numa at the 2024 Campus Picnic and Block Party
CommunityEvents

Mid-Week Party Invites UAFS Community

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith invites students to attend the annual Campus Picnic and Block Party on Wednesday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the campus green.

August 22, 2025
Evening photo of the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith
Arts and SciencesCenter for Economic DevelopmentCommunityEventsFeatured

UAFS Launches Monthly Research Den Programming

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith to launch Research Den, a monthly series to share research conducted by students and faculty through casual conversation.

August 21, 2025
Ty Barrett, director for the ASBTDC regional office stands outside the new Van Buren Chamber of Commerce building
Center for Economic DevelopmentCommunityFeaturedNews

UAFS Center for Economic Development's ASBTDC Opens in Van Buren

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Center for Economic Development's Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center opened its second office location in Van Buren.

August 13, 2025
Arkansas State Capitol Building with state flag in the foreground
CommunityFeaturedNewsStudents

Awareness and Education to Save Lives at UAFS

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is ramping up efforts to help save lives through awareness and educational training about the dangers of fentanyl. These efforts align with Arkansas's One Pill Can Kill initiative, which began in October 2024.

July 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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