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Peter Cullum (right) talks to a student during a modeling class
AlumniArt and DesignLion Voices

Home is Where the Art Is

A University of Arkansas - Fort Smith associate professor of art, Peter Cullum, shares the importance of art and how it has shaped who he is and how he teaches students.

March 30, 2026
Beck Pair, administrative assistant
Health Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

An Appreciative Return to the Fort

Beck Pair, an administrative assistant for the Department of Human Sciences, grew up in Fort Smith but left to attend college. After a job opened at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, they returned home with a new appreciation for their hometown...

March 26, 2026
Dr. Bun Song Lee stands outside of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center with the UAFS Bell Tower in the background.
Business and IndustryLion Voices

From Seoul to Fort Smith: Research and Teaching Remain Constant

With nearly 50 years of experience as an educator and researcher, Dr. Bun Song Lee, an associate professor of economics at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, has no plans to slow down and make a global impact with his work.

February 23, 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
Dr. Cheryl Holden, executive director of the UAFS Master of Healthcare Administration program, stands on the second floor of the Pendergraft Health Sciences Building overlooking the lobby.
Health Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

Lifetime in Healthcare Spurs Education

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith's Master of Healthcare Administration program is led by Dr. Cheryl Holden, the executive director, who joined UAFS after more than four decades of healthcare experience.

February 04, 2026
FoundationGivingLion Voices

Advancing UAFS Through Relationships: Kara Crowley

Kara Crowley, associate director of philanthropy and engagement, benefited from scholarships to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees debt-free. In her role at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, she helps donors establish that same...

December 19, 2025
A portrait of Dr. Kristin Tardif in front of a bookcase wall at Bookish, where she is the new owner of the independent book store in downtown Fort Smith.
Business and IndustryLion Voices

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
Mary Miller stands in the UAFS IT office surrounded by shelves filled with PCs
Lion Voices

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
Portrait of Dr. Sarah Winterberg, associate professor of English at UAFS
Arts and SciencesLion Voices

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
Kendrix Holcomb (center) points to the camera during his graduation in May 2024 in the Stubblefield Center at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. He is adorned with his fraternity stoll and Homecoming King 2024 stoll, as well as with multiple cords.
AdmissionsAlumniLion Voices

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
Portrait of Noah Schmidt in the UAFS Campus Green.

Noah Schmidt Creates a Home Across the Globe

From Belize to South Korea, students from across the globe find a home at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith — and at the heart of their journey is Noah Schmidt, the international student programs and services administrator. Since stepping...

September 30, 2025
Dr. Camille Wheeler smiles underneath the trees in the UAFS Campus Green
Health Education and Human Sciences

Dr. Camille Wheeler Found Her Calling in Education

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith associate professor of education, Dr. Camille Wheeler, was called to teaching after a career in the Department of Human Services. She ensures that all future teachers are able to meet the needs of the whole child,...

September 29, 2025
Jarren McAllister stands in the Stubblefield Arena seats tossing a basketball in one hand
AthleticsHealth Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

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 spins a basketball on the court of the Stubblefield Center at UAFS
Arts and SciencesAthleticsLion Voices

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
Lee Stovall
Business and Industry

Empathy is Lee Stovall's Classroom Currency

Visiting instructor Lee Stovall believes empathy is the best way to reach his University of Arkansas - Fort Smith students studying business.

September 15, 2025
Joe England, resident director of the Lion's Den, smiles in the courtyard of the two dorms at UAFS
Lion VoicesStudents

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
Roxy Wylie smiles while standing on the edge of the campus green at UAFS with the bell tower behind her
Lion Voices

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
Dr. Alexandra Zacharella conducts students during a summer band camp
Arts and SciencesLion Voices

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
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

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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

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