News Stories
UAFS News
Second Chance Scientist
When Christopher Edwards first came to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life. After dropping out and spending nearly a decade in the workplace, he realized a change was needed. He returned to UAFS...
April 13, 2026
Aid Fuels Research Opportunities
UAFS senior biology student, Shelby Zink, credits the financial aid she has received as the reason why she was able to attend college and follow her dream of becoming a field researcher.
December 15, 2025
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
$50,000 Grant to Fund Microbiology Labs, Research
A $50,000 faculty recruitment grant will help UAFS build its microbiology program, equip a new shared research lab, and expand hands-on opportunities for undergraduate students through the Arkansas INBRE network.
December 01, 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
A Feather in His Cap: The Life and Career of Dr. Charles Preston
Dr. Charles "Chuck" Preston traces his roots in biology to growing up in Fort Smith and attending the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith when the university was still known as Westark Community College. Today, he is one of the world's foremost researchers...
May 31, 2024
UAFS Faculty Member to Retire After More Than 50 Years
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith professor of biology, Dr. Tom Buchanan, is set to retire after 53 years at UAFS. Buchanan arrived at UAFS in 1971 and stayed ever since. He leaves behind a legacy of teaching hundreds of biologists and is credited...
May 03, 2024
Lion Voices: Lana Putman
Senior Lana Putman talks about how UAFS has helped her grow and how she has been able to learn what she needs to improve her future. She mentions her involvement on campus and what she plans to do after graduation.
March 22, 2024
A Look through the Lens at Belize
A senior biology major at UAFS, preparing to attend medical school, spent the first part of the summer honing his filmmaking skills and adding to his bird life list in Belize.
October 03, 2023
Birds Call to Well-Traveled Professor
Lucille Speakman would have liked Dr. Ragupathy Kannan’s reply to a question about his plans for a travel grant: “I’m teaching the Belize course now and may not have ready access to email.”
May 26, 2023
UAFS Clubs Celebrate Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, students, faculty, and staff from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will host a series of engaging, educational and “dino-mite” events.
April 21, 2022Media 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