News Stories

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

First-Generation Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kerrie Taber

Dr. Kerrie Taber is an assistant professor of organizational leadership in the College of Business and Industry at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. As a first-generation student, Taber understands the challenges some of her students face...

First-Generation Student Spotlight: Jennifer Phelan

When Jennifer Phelan decided to return to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, she knew doing so as a first-generation non-traditional student would come with challenges. Through the support of her family, positive attitude, and enthusiasm, she...

First-Generation Staff Spotlight: Patricia Hurtado Perez

As a Hispanic first-generation student, Patricia Hurtado Perez, coordinator for the Upward Bound Math and Science program at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, struggled with unique challenges. However, she was undeterred along her path to...

First-Generation Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Janine Chitty

Before Dr. Janine Chitty began teaching English at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, she was a non-traditional first-generation student learning to navigate college. She now uses her experience to guide students facing similar challenges so...

First-Generation Student Spotlight: Hannah Boyett

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith first-generation graduate and grad school student Hannah Boyett discusses finding her success at UAFS in the classroom and on the court.

First-Gen Staff Voices: Spencer Ewing

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith sports and adventure coordinator Spencer Ewing shares his experience as a first-generation college student. His experience has led him to strive to help others in similar situations.

First Gen Voices: Mayeli Rivas

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith junior nursing student Mayeli Rivas sometimes feels like Mario jumping over barrels as a first-generation student at UAFS, but the support and encouragement from her family and UAFS staff has helped her achieve...

Staff Voices: Mandy Keyes

Hailing from the central Sebastian County town of Hackett, Mandy Keyes, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith director of human resources, admits that attending college after high school was something other than what she planned on pursuing. She...

Largest College at UAFS Honors Graduates

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s 108th commencement continued Saturday, May 13, 2023, with the College of Arts and Sciences graduating class. The more than 400 graduates of UAFS’s largest college joined the more than 50,000 UAFS alums...

UAFS Spring Graduation Ends with College of Business and Industry

College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences Celebrates Graduates

The 108th Commencement at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith began Saturday, May 13, 2023, with the graduation of more than 250 students from the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences (CHEHS).

Clinical Boards are No Match for UAFS Dental Hygiene Students

Celebrating the graduation of 11 University of Arkansas – Fort Smith dental hygiene students is just a tiny part of what makes this class worthy of recognition.