News Stories
UAFS News
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
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
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
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
Just One More Chapter: Dr. Kristin Tardif
Dr. Kristin Tardif, professor of organizational leadership, found a second calling as a teacher, and the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has been her home since 2015. After a childhood spent across the globe and a fulfilling career at Nestlé,...
November 24, 2025
A Computing Calling: Mary Miller
Mary Miller, PC systems analyst, came to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in 2011 after trusting her instincts to follow a career in computing in 1987. She is the behind-the-scenes hero ensuring all technology at UAFS is operational for student...
November 12, 2025
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
The ‘Aha’s’ of Teaching: Dr. Sarah Winterberg
Dr. Sarah Winterberg is an associate professor of English at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. She is the first person from her hometown of Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, to have earned a Ph.D., and since 2007, she has been committed to her pursuit...
October 31, 2025
Finding Identity at UAFS: Kendrix Holcomb
Kendrix Holcomb, an admissions advisor at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, arrived as a student with the goal of reinventing himself. The self-proclaimed introvert made it a priority to come out of his shell and encourages others to do the...
October 15, 2025
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 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
Study Abroad Dream Come True: A Summer at Oxford
Hailey Hadley, a junior at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, spent the summer studying abroad at Oxford University's Lady Margaret Hall.
September 12, 2025
Home Among the Halls: Joe England
Joe England, resident director for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith's Lion's Den, has been at the center of ensuring the dorms are a home away from home for first-year students since 2021.
August 08, 2025
History Buried in the Books: Roxy Wylie
At the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, student success librarian Roxy Wylie uses her love of discovery and adventure to help students find success.
July 21, 2025
Conducting the Rhythm of Teaching: Dr. Alex Zacharella
Dr. Alexandra Zacharella has been a staple of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith's music department for nearly 20 years. Music is in her DNA, and she has a passion to share it with students.
June 25, 2025
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
DeJon Jordan: Practicing What He Preaches
DeJon Jordan, the assistant director for TRIO STEM at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, shares how he ensures students succeed at UAFS.
June 09, 2025
Road to Ph.D.: Kaleb McLaughlin’s Risk and Resolve
Kaleb McLaughlin, a senior geosciences student, will graduate from UAFS on May 10 before heading to Gainesville to begin a master's to Ph.D. program at the University of Florida. If you asked him where he'd be when he graduated from UAFS a few years...
May 06, 2025
Delayed but not Defeated, Troy Rodriguez Earns UAFS Degree
First-generation student Troy Rodriguez will graduate from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith on May 10 with a degree in business administration. The accomplishment comes after stepping away from school before returning two years later.
May 05, 2025
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, 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