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Left to right: Bryan Alexis and Susan Krafft accept their Student Government Association Faculty and Staff Appreciation Awards.
Art and DesignFeaturedNews

Students Honor Faculty and Staff with Distinguished Awards

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith's Student Government Association awarded two awards on Friday, April 10, one to a staff member and one to faculty, during the UAFS Faculty and Staff Awards ceremony.

April 10, 2026
From left to right, Allyson Lovell, Darren Smith, and Jennifer Holland at the UAFS Faculty and Staff Awards.
FeaturedNews

Three Take Home Annual UAFS Staff Awards

Staff members from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith were recognized for their service to the university during the April 10 Faculty and Staff Appreciation Awards ceremony.

April 10, 2026
From left to right: Tom Watkins, Dr. Jordan Mader, Dr. Ann-Gee Lee, Roberta Parks, and Dr. Virginia Hardgraves accept their faculty awards.
FeaturedNews

Five Faculty Take Home Prestigious UAFS Awards

Faculty members from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith were recognized for their service to the university and community, teaching effectiveness, research, and ability to connect with students at the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Awards ceremo...

April 10, 2026
Pam Fout, right, was recognized for her 45 years at UAFS.
FeaturedNews

UAFS Faculty and Staff Recognized

On April 11, employees from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith were honored with Faculty and Staff Appreciation Awards, Student Government Awards, and recognized for their years of service.

April 16, 2025
Cristina Castorena, left, accepts her award with UAFS Provost, Dr. Shadow Robinson
News

UAFS Employees Honored by Students

On April 11, the UAFS Student Government Association recognized two university employees for their dedication to serving students.

April 16, 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
Advisor, Joellen Barthol, smiles for the camera while standing in front of the Math Science Building at UAFS.
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryHealth Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

Finding Where She Belongs: Joellen Barthol and UAFS

Joellen Barthol is an advisor for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith's ROAR First-Year Advising Center. It's a role she's "always been passionate about."

November 26, 2024
Woman sitting outside with tulips
News

Chemistry Professor to Head Center for Teaching and Learning

Dr. Jordan Mader, the new faculty fellow leading the first semesters of UAFS’s Center for Teaching and Learning, has some priorities, and the first one is listening.

November 25, 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
fall on campus
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryFeaturedHealth Education and Human Sciences

UAFS Establishes Center for Teaching and Learning

UAFS is set to introduce a Center for Teaching and Learning this fall, a strategic development aimed at advancing faculty expertise and student engagement through innovative educational strategies. The center’s establishment marks a significant...

August 21, 2024
Amanda Seidenzahl, director of early college programs, smiles with her two sons
Lion Voices

Architect of Success: Amanda Seidenzahl

At the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, high school students can earn concurrent credit through WATC and Smart Start, all under the direction of Amanda Seidenzahl, the director of early college programs.

July 22, 2024
Debbie Dameron (left) and her husband Kim
Business and IndustryLion Voices

Debbie Dameron and the Pursuit of Student Success

At the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, you may be hard-pressed to find someone with as much experience working at multiple higher education institutions as Debbie Dameron, an advising coordinator for the College of Business and Industry. The...

April 30, 2024
Events

Faculty, Staff Celebrated for Excellence

On Friday, April 5, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith administration hosted an appreciation brunch for faculty and staff.

April 09, 2024
Arts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryHealth Education and Human Sciences

University Celebrates Years of Service

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith celebrated the years of service of 69 employees who reached benchmark anniversaries this year.

April 05, 2024
Patricia Hurtado Perez, Coordinator for Upward Bound Math and Science
AlumniArts and SciencesFirst Generation

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...

April 02, 2024
Chris Kelly catches a UAFS volleyball game at the Stubblefield Center
CommunityLion Voices

Chris Kelly: New Beginnings and Championing Change

Chris Kelly, the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Marketing at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, arrived in 2019 looking for a fresh start. In the nearly five years since, he has been a driving force behind the university's revamped marketing...

March 28, 2024
Yosey Cardenas during graduation, May 2023
AlumniFirst GenerationHealth Education and Human SciencesLion Voices

Coming Full Circle with Yosey Cardenas

At the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, education and social work academic advisor for the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, Yosey Cardenas, shares her story as a first-generation student and how she now uses that experience to...

February 09, 2024
Spencer Ewing sits underneath the stairs at the RAWC with the building name painted behind him.
First GenerationLion Voices

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.

February 01, 2024
UAFS Athletic Director Curtis Janz walks along the sidelines during a game
AthleticsLion Voices

A Look Beyond the Records with Curtis Janz

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith athletic director Curtis Janz arrived in 2016. Since then, he has instilled culture, navigated a global pandemic, changed conferences, and built a lasting legacy.

January 08, 2024
Aerial view of UAFS camps green and bell tower
News

Airo Honored as an Association of Energy Engineers Fellow

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Director of Plant Operations Robert Airo was made Association of Energy Engineers Fellow in October 2023. Airo became the first AEE Fellow in Arkansas.

December 01, 2023

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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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  • 479-788-7132
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