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Dental Hygiene graduates from the UAFS College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences pose together at the May 16, 2026 commencement ceremony.
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryFeaturedFirst GenerationHealth Education and Human SciencesNews

UAFS Confers Spring Grads

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith celebrated the spring commencement of nearly 650 graduates on Saturday, May 16.

May 16, 2026
Arik Schrouf finetunes a piece of equipment in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering lab located in the Baldor Building at UAFS.
Business and IndustryFeaturedFirst GenerationNews

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Degree Prepares Students for Future

Students like Arik Schrouf are among the first in Arkansas to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, thanks to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.

May 15, 2026
First Generation Student stoles from UAFS
First GenerationStudents

First-To-Go Offer Advice to First Years

First-generation students from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith who are gearing up for graduation offer advice to incoming students to succeed.

May 08, 2026
A mom and daughter pose with Numa at UAFS accepted student day
FeaturedFirst GenerationNews

Den Day Invites Students to Explore Life as a Lion

UAFS Admissions will once again welcome prospective students and their families to Den Day on Wednesday, April 15, with a half-day program that showcases academic programs, student services, and campus life.

April 13, 2026
Students and parents walk to their campus tours during UAFS Den Day
AdmissionsEventsFirst Generation

Transfer Road Show Hits Pulaski Tech, UA Cossatot

UAFS will host two “Transfer With Pride” events this month at partner institutions across the state, offering prospective transfer students information about admissions, scholarships and credit transfers while providing free meals and on-site...

March 04, 2026
Hundred dollar bills
AdmissionsFeaturedFirst GenerationFoundation

$3M in Scholarships Available to UAFS Students

Close to $3 million in private, donor-funded scholarships are available to University of Arkansas – Fort Smith students through the Lion’s Share scholarship portal, and university officials are urging students to complete required applications...

March 04, 2026
Janet Miller smiles on the UAFS Campus Green during a sunny winter day.
First GenerationLion Voices

Closing Higher Ed Chapter for Retirement

Janet Miller, a financial aid advisor at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, reflected on her nearly 30-year career helping students find ways to fund their college experiences.

February 18, 2026
Tracie Griffith, administrative specialist for mathematics, stands in front of the UAFS Math Science Building
AlumniArts and SciencesFirst GenerationLion Voices

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 alum, Jordan Miesner-Davis, works with a multi channel pipette.
AlumniArts and SciencesFirst Generation

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
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
Portrait of Hannah Seal from the UAFS Campus Green
Business and IndustryFirst GenerationHealth Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

First-Generation Student Spotlight: Hannah Seal

Hannah Seal, a dental hygiene student, overcame the death of her mom while in elementary school to become the first member of her family to attend college right after high school. By attending the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, she can stay...

December 02, 2025
Raul Tabares, a senior business administration student at UAFS, stands in front of flags denoting the U.S. military branches at the UAFS Veterans Resource Center
Business and IndustryFirst GenerationLion Voices

Success as a Student Veteran

Raul Tabares came to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith to earn a college degree. After seven years in the U.S. Army, he felt something was missing in his life. He found it at UAFS.

November 10, 2025
Stephany Dobbins, coordinator for new student and family programs poses in front of the UAFS Bell Tower
AlumniFirst GenerationLion Voices

Eighteen Years and Counting with Stephany Dobbins

Stephany Dobbins has called the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith home for the last 18 years. As coordinator for new student and family programs, she looks forward to welcoming students to the "Lion Family."

June 18, 2025
Nigel Otero, advising coordinator, College of Business and Industry, stands outside of his office on the second floor of the Flanders Building
AlumniBusiness and IndustryFirst GenerationLion Voices

Nigel Otero: Turning Opportunities into Inspiration

When Nigel Otero came to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, he did so knowing it was an opportunity he wouldn't squander. Now, as an advising coordinator for the College of Business and Industry, he's working to inspire students to achieve...

March 31, 2025
White buttons that read
First GenerationStudents

First to go but not Alone

More than half of the students who attend the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith are first-generation or the first in their family to attend college. The First-Generation Student Success Committee features nearly 30 faculty and staff - many of whom...

March 19, 2025
Emily McCall, a College of Arts and Sciences graduate, earned her bachelor's degree in English with a minor in history.
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryEventsFeaturedFirst GenerationHealth Education and Human SciencesStudents

UAFS Celebrates Graduates

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith celebrated the 111th commencement ceremony on Saturday. Graduates from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Industry, and Health, Education, and Human Sciences were awarded their degrees.

December 14, 2024
Braden Nguyen, a senior psychology student at UAFS poses in front of the Boreham Library
First GenerationHealth Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

'I'm ready. I'm prepared.': How Braden Nguyen Leaves UAFS

Braden Nguyen, a senior psychology student at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, reflects on his time at UAFS and how the university has prepared him for whatever lies ahead.

December 06, 2024
Sydney Seegers, program assistant for TRIO STEM SSS
Arts and SciencesFirst GenerationLion Voices

First-Gen Staff Voices: Sydney Seegers

Sydney Seegers graduated from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in May 2023. As a first-generation student, it was an "opportunity to chase and achieve her dreams" and become a role model for her family. She gives back to UAFS and other first-generation...

November 04, 2024
UAFS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Salsa at the Bell Tower and a fashion show of traditional Hispanic dress
Arts and SciencesFeaturedFirst GenerationHealth Education and Human Sciences

UAFS Students Win Scholarships at Conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month

Two University of Arkansas - Fort Smith students won $1,000 in scholarships at Salsa at the Bell Tower, the finale of Hispanic Heritage Month.

October 16, 2024
a family poses for a photo at Mane Event
EventsFirst GenerationNews

Family Weekend Slated Oct. 18-19

Students, families, and the Fort Smith community are invited to experience the campus on Family Weekend, Oct. 18-19, 2024.

September 25, 2024

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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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